“I have experienced things I never thought I would” – Alice’s story
13 November 2025
Alice (Set 140) has worked across two roles since graduating from Norland in 2019, after realising that she had found her calling as a nanny. After taking part in our recent film — More than a degree. More than a job. More than you imagined. — Alice reflects on her journey from Psychology to discovering her passion for nannying, studying at Norland and her career as a highly sought-after Norland Nanny.
“My name is Alice and I am part of Set 140. I’m originally from Norfolk and I now live in Bath with my partner.
“Prior to starting at Norland, I studied Psychology at university for a year, but I soon discovered I didn’t feel passionate about it. I left and moved to Houston, Texas with my parents. It was while living there that I started nannying for three girls and very quickly realised I had found my calling and the career I love.
“Having attempted university for a year, understandably my parents wanted to know what would be different this time around. I had heard of Norland from a friend of a friend who was a student and, during my research, it was clear to me that while I could become a nanny without going to Norland, the experiences, opportunities and salaries available to Norland students and graduates were unmatched – and I could safely reassure my parents of this.
“All roles in the early years are incredibly important and can be very rewarding, but the main thing that set nannying apart for me is the ability to have one-to-one time with children and to integrate into their families. It’s incredibly special to have a young person look to you for love and support. I feel that, as nannies, we are fortunate to experience this more than in other early years roles. Like any job it can be challenging. However, I have also experienced things I never thought I would – all against the backdrop of doing a job I love and feel passionate about!
“I graduated from Norland six years ago and I reflect on my time there fondly. Having experienced life at a ‘typical’ university, I was incredibly aware of the difference between being one of thousands of students versus being one of a few hundred.
“Norland is not a typical university experience. Rather than having eight contact hours a week, as is typical for some university courses, you are on campus or placement almost every weekday while also working and keeping up with coursework. Despite the hard work, I also made the most of the city’s night life with my friends, and made memories I will cherish forever. Studying at Norland is a unique experience and having fellow Norlanders by your side who understand the highs and lows, makes it even more special.
“After qualifying, I stayed with my Newly Qualified Nanny family for four further years, caring for one-year-old twins and their little sister when she arrived a year later. This role was a daily job based in London, and we travelled to Europe during the holidays. I still see the three girls and their little brother (who was born after my departure) when I can and love the relationship I have with them.
“I then moved to a different role as I wanted to experience living abroad, another perk of nannying! So, for my next job, I took a live-in role for a year with a family in Los Angeles caring for their 12-year-old and three-year-old before they had another baby the following year. The family then relocated back to the UK, and I stayed with them as a rota nanny for another year. After this, I took six weeks off to allow myself time to be selective with my next role. I am about to start a new position as a rota nanny working alongside a team of nannies. This will be a new experience for me and something I am looking forward to!
“I have had some amazing highlights so far during my years of nannying – from being involved in planning major parties, to travelling and staying in amazing hotels. However, the best part for me is the relationships I have built with the children I have cared for. I have already mentioned how special the relationships you build with the children are, but there really is no better way to spend a working day than to hang out with your tiny best friends, who provide so much love and laughter.
“Whilst the main routine of the day is pretty set, for example breakfast at 7.30am and lunch at 12pm, every day is different in its own way. From classes to school runs, play dates and activities, to packing for trips and helping with school projects. Also planning parties, running errands, organising nurseries and playrooms, batch cooking and baking – the list goes on and on!
“As a nanny, I often work long days, but they pass in the blink of an eye and I consider myself very fortunate to have a job that keeps me active and able to be out and about. For instance, on a warm summer’s day while my non-nanny friends may be in an office, I will often be having a picnic in a park surrounded by other nannies and children whose company I enjoy.
“I’ve found since graduating I have countless moments where I think “ah, that’s why we did that.” Because we study a degree as well as the practice-based diploma at Norland, all the theory is immediately put into practice with real hands-on experience. This stands you in good stead for going out into the working world, as you have already gained a plethora of knowledge, advice and support from your time at Norland. It also becomes clear why Norland expect the best from their students, as you will find once graduating that the quality of training provides a strong foundation, enabling you as a nanny to consistently apply the skills you develop during your time at Norland.
Learn more about Alice, life at Norland, and the amazing opportunities our graduates receive in our new More than a degree. More than a job. More than you imagined. film.
Watch Alice in our new film — More than a degree. More than a job. More than you imagined.
