7 minute read
Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year
Meet Helen Newly Qualified Nanny (Set 40)
I originally chose to read German and Russian at university. Two months in, I realised I had only gone to university because that’s what all my friends had done. My parents didn’t push me, I just thought it was the right decision because I loved languages. It turned out that learning languages in a lecture hall was very different to how I thought it was going to be.
I decided to take some time out to rethink my options. Working with children was something I had always thought about and Norland is the best place for early years training. I applied and, unfortunately, wasn’t offered a place but tried again the next year and got in!
My time at Norland has been an absolute whirlwind. What has really stood out for me are the job opportunities I’ve had as a student. I’ve lived with the most wonderful family for the past year and watched their children grow, I’ve been on holiday with a family, I’ve proxy-parented, I’ve babysat for celebrities, I’ve worked in London, I’ve been in the press. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the confidence that the variety of Norland placements have given me; they’ve taught me so much about children, families and myself that I believe will make me a really strong nanny.
The beauty of the Norland name means you can end up anywhere in the world. I just need to make sure I carry on living up to its expectations so that I can commandeer the jobs I want to go after. Even if I move away from nannying into a different early years field, I still feel the integrity that has been instilled in me during my time here will hold me in good stead.
People try and compare Norland to traditional universities; in reality you can’t. Norland is unique. It isn’t for everyone, but if you like working hard, reaping the rewards and feeling like part of a family, then you’ll thrive. This is an institution where the Principal knows you by name and stops to talk to you in the hallway. Where you can email the librarians and they will drop what they are doing to give you more information than you thought was even fathomable. Where, if you’re on your dissertation placement in a foreign country late at night and it’s all going wrong, your Vice Principal will call you when she’s at home and tell you: “We can fix this together.”
Meet Ellie Norlander (Set 40)
It’s really hard to pinpoint just a few things that have stood out because my time at Norland was incredible. If I had to pick out something, it would be the placements. If you are looking for a practical course and a career looking after children, then Norland is definitely the place for you! The course is amazing and so diverse that you are always learning something new.
I really wanted to live independently with friends and enjoy the ‘social side’ of attending a university. I lived with my family for the first two years at Norland to save money. At points throughout my training I felt that I had missed out on some of the appealing aspects of a traditional university. In the end it didn’t bother me; I didn’t feel like I missed out at all. I had the chance to join a local netball team and gym where I was able to meet new people. There are two other universities in Bath which means you have the chance to meet new people and have different friendship groups outside of Norland.
Even though the fees are high, my parents and I worked out that if I studied at Norland it would be more beneficial for my career. You graduate with two qualifications and, unlike a normal university where you may only have a few lectures a week, Norland fills the weeks with both practical and theory-based lectures. There are lots of opportunities for babysitting and nannying outside college to help pay fees and save money. I know friends that lived rent free (food included) with families in Bath in exchange for childcare.
The best thing about being a Norland Nanny are the endless opportunities. There are so many nanny jobs worldwide and the training you receive is incredible. I never in a million years thought that I would be able to cook nutritious and tasty meals or sew a child’s apron or fancy-dress outfit, yet this has all been possible with determination and encouragement from the staff at Norland. It’s crazy to think how much I have achieved during my time at Norland and developed as an early years practitioner.
There is no other course in the world like it. I feel privileged that people see I am a Norlander when they read my CV. My time at Norland was so memorable and one of the best things I have ever done. I am so glad I went to an open day and took my parents’ guidance rather than following the crowd and going to a traditional university. If I could, I would do it all again!
Entry requirements
For applicants, the academic entry requirements for this course are:
UK qualifications • A minimum of 96 UCAS points from level 3 qualifications such as A levels.
A minimum of 5 GCSEs (which should include English Language and Maths) at grade 4 or above (or grade C and above), or equivalent prior to application.
We accept A levels and alternative qualifications such as CACHE and BTEC at Level 3. If you are unsure whether your qualifications will meet our criteria, you can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator or contact our Admissions team by emailing admissions@norland.ac.uk.
Non-UK qualifications If you do not have UK qualifications, please contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC). NARIC is a National Agency, managed on behalf of the UK Government, and provides verification of the equivalency of international qualifications to individuals wishing to study in the UK. Once NARIC has written to confirm your qualifications in comparison to a UK qualification, you will need to provide this information to Norland. Your qualifications must be equivalent to, or higher than, our minimum entry requirements. Please note that NARIC charge for this service.
Non-UK applicants Norland is currently unable to accept international or EU students unless you have a UK passport, or the right to live/work/study in the UK. Please contact admissions@norland.ac.uk if you need further information.
English language competence Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient English language competence to complete their programme of study. It is expected that applicants with English as an additional language will undertake IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and achieve an overall band of 6.0 with no less than 6.0 in each component skill. See ielts.org for more information. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks Studying for our early years degree involves a considerable amount of time spent working with children; therefore, acceptance is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly known as the Criminal Records Bureau) Enhanced Disclosure check. Further details will be sent to you after you have made your application.
Graduates of Norland College are expected to update their DBS every three years, or register onto the DBS update service.
Fitness to practise Students who qualify as Norlanders may work without supervision with babies, young children and their families. Accordingly, Norland College has a responsibility to ensure that students are fit to practise under these circumstances. Fitness to practise will be assessed at application and throughout the student’s time with us, including prior to and throughout the NQN year.
An offer of a place to study at Norland College may be conditional upon the applicant being deemed fit to practise. Please refer to the Fitness to Practise Policy, which can be found at norland.ac.uk, for more details.
Safeguarding Norland College is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all students and staff to share this commitment.
The suitability of all prospective students and staff will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. All offers made will be on the condition of relevant safer recruitment checks being conducted and in line with College policies and procedures.
Vaccinations You are required and advised to have had the standard childhood vaccinations prior to beginning your studies. You are also required to have a course of Hepatitis B vaccinations, which might involve an additional cost of between £150 and £200. Other vaccinations are also recommended, please visit norland.ac.uk for more information.
