Norland Nanny of the Year: Colette shares her 30-year Norland journey
5 May 2026
Norland Nanny of the Year is an award given to a Norlander in commendation of their continued excellence in reflecting Norland’s values, professionalism and training. This year’s winner, Colette (Set 111), has spent three decades supporting babies, children and their families across countries, career stages and family life.
From international nannying to years as a maternity nurse – spending most of her career in the United States – and now back in a long-term nanny role, Colette’s journey highlights the professionalism and lifelong impact of Norland training.. Here, she shares her passion for nurturing and what it means to be recognised as Norland Nanny of the Year.
Colette's story
“I graduated from Norland in 1995 as part of Set 111. From a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with children. When I was considering my options towards the end of high school, I heard about Norland through a classmate’s sister who was attending. From the moment I learned about the training, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to pursue.
“When I look back on my time at Norland, I feel incredibly grateful. It provided such a strong foundation – not just for my career, but for the way I think about caring for children. Norland instilled a deep sense of professionalism, responsibility and pride in the role I play in children’s lives. The training was thorough and demanding, giving me the confidence to step into my roles fully prepared. Even now, many years later, I still find myself drawing on things I learned during my training. Those early lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.
“The training gave me both the practical skills and a deeper understanding of child development that are so essential in this profession. Beyond the practical training, Norland teaches qualities that are just as important: adaptability, discretion, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm and thoughtful in any situation. Those values have guided me throughout my career, whether I was working with newborns as a maternity nurse or now as a nanny again.”
Life as a Norlander
“After graduating, I completed my probationary post in London before moving to New York City in the US – where I have spent much of my career – for a nanny position caring for a four‑year‑old and a six‑month‑old. I stayed with that family for five years, before taking some time away from professional nannying to raise my own children.
“When I returned to work, I spent 12 years as a maternity nurse, working mainly night positions with newborns and their families. During that time, I gained an enormous amount of experience and knowledge. I often worked with families whose babies were experiencing colic or reflux, which sparked a deeper interest in helping parents better understand their newborn’s sensory world.
“That experience led me to develop an online course, Newborn Nesting, based on the principle that every baby deserves a calm beginning, and every parent deserves the understanding and support to provide it. I am hoping to launch the course in the next few months. It will help parents recognise the signs of sensory overload and create calmer, more supportive environments – so babies can regulate, settle and thrive in those early weeks. In many ways, Newborn Nesting feels like the work I was always meant to do, bringing together my Norland training and everything I have learned throughout my career to help families start life together in the best possible way.
“After many years of night work, I returned to the nanny world. I have been with my current family for over six years. Supporting children over a longer period and building strong, trusting relationships with both them and their parents has been incredibly rewarding.”
My favourite part of being a Norland Nanny
“My favourite part of my work is supporting children during their earliest and most formative years. It is a privilege to help create an environment where children feel safe, understood and free to grow into their authentic selves.
“I have also really valued the Norland community throughout my career, especially the chance to mentor nannies and maternity nurses at the start of their careers. I run a local US Facebook group for Norland graduates working in, or planning to work in, America. It has been wonderful to create a small community where Norlanders can connect, support one another and share experiences. Being part of a profession with such a strong sense of tradition and mutual support is something I am very proud of.
“In my current role, I care for three children aged seven, five and three. I have been with the family for over six years and work closely alongside another Norland Nanny. Together, we provide a structured and nurturing environment that supports each child’s development and curiosity.
“The family live between New York City and Sag Harbor, and it is a privilege to be part of the children’s day-to-day lives. I am so involved in their growth and daily experiences that I know I will always carry a connection to them. Their earliest memories, milestones and personalities have become part of me, and in many ways I feel I will remain part of their lives forever.”
Colette recognises each child’s individual needs while fostering curiosity, confidence and emotional security. She balances warmth with clear structure, instilling etiquette, morals and respect while nurturing each child’s interests. She models calm leadership, kindness and consistency, and has become a trusted guide to both our children and our family – upholding our values with exceptional care.Colette's nominee family
“Finding out that I had won Norland Nanny of the Year came as a complete shock.”
“It was unexpected and incredibly special. More than anything, I felt deeply grateful – to the family who nominated me, to Norland, and for the career I have been able to build.
“After a 30‑year career, it is deeply rewarding to have the dedication, care and passion I have put into my work recognised in this way. Norland has trained so many exceptional professionals, so to be acknowledged among them means a great deal to me.
“For anyone considering Norland or a career in early years, my advice is simple. If you truly love working with children and are curious about their development, it can be an incredibly fulfilling path. The early years are a vital time in a child’s life, and thoughtful, well‑trained caregivers can make a lasting difference. Norland provides an exceptional foundation and opens many doors within the field.
“What I love most about my work is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and their parents. Supporting a child’s growth, helping them feel safe and understood, and watching their confidence and curiosity develop is hugely rewarding. Supporting parents is equally meaningful. Offering reassurance, guidance and confidence along the way brings a great sense of pride and satisfaction. I feel very fortunate to do work that allows me to make a positive and lasting impact every day.”
Read our interviews with previous Norland Nanny of the Year award winners and find out more about the wide variety of careers our graduates pursue in our career pathway blogs.
