Nanny Louenna is working as a Freelance Temporary Nanny, Childcare Consultant and Maternity Nurse. She has graduated from one of the most exquisite colleges for nannies Norland College in Bath with the highest award. Our 'Ask Nanny Louenna' blog series brings on exclusive opportunity to get advice and tips from one of the most desired nannies out there.
We asked some questions from the lovely Nanny Louenna to introduce her to you and get to know her & her work better!
Read more below!
Describe yourself in 5 key words
Compassionate, good-humoured, enthusiastic, empathetic, and …happy!
When did you decide you wanted to become a nanny?
I have wanted to be a nanny for as long as I can remember. I am the oldest of four children so there were always babies in the house, there’s eight years between me and my youngest brother and I used to do everything with him, I could change a nappy and feed him a bottle at eight years old! My Grandmother also owned a children's nursery school that I used to work in during my school holidays, so I think childcare runs in my blood!
Why Norland?
When I was doing my A-Levels I went to look at a few universities to study Early Childhood Studies but the courses didn't really specialise in nannying, and there wasn't any practical experience. My mum told me about Norlands and I went for an interview and realised straight away that it was the place for me! I could do the degree course at the college alongside getting all the practical knowledge and experience from lecturers who are often Norlander’s themselves. I love the prestige of the college and that you are part of a really unique group.
What does it take to be a Norland nanny?
The course is quite intense and you have to be really committed to complete it. I think it shows how much you want to be a top nanny if you graduate as a Norland Nanny.
What kind of training do you receive at Norlands?
The college is always evolving so I’m sure it’s different now to when I trained there. We did a week in college and a week out on placement throughout the two years training. During our college week we would have academic lectures in the morning and then practical lessons in the afternoon - including cooking and sewing lessons!
We would have a lot of outside lecturers come into college to talk to us on different topics, I really enjoyed completing the Baby Massage course. Others included a Car Seat Training day, First Aid, Baby Sign, early years language development and Self Defence.
We all did a Skidpan Driving awareness day which was really fun and has helped me a few times when I’ve been driving children in snow.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend escape with the children?
My parents live on a farm in Norfolk and I’m lucky enough to take the children I look after there for weekends, its a child's paradise with ponies to ride, chickens to feed, lovely quiet country roads to ride bikes on, a pond to feed the fish and look for water snails in, and their 26 year old resident shetland pony who roams free is adored by all the children!
It’s great to be in the quiet countryside where the children can be outside all day in the fresh air and explore nature.
What do parents look for in a nanny?
I think parents want a nanny who is trustworthy, enthusiastic, has a genuine love for children, is flexible, fun and has lots of common sense to deal with all the unexpected situations that arise when looking after children.
What is the most unusual question you have been asked in an interview?
I once got asked What part of Norlands ethos I DIDN’T agree with…. it really threw me as it isn't one of the usual questions you’re asked!
What are your favourite children’s books?
When I was little my favourite book was The owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson, I’ve recently read it with one of my charges and I fell in love with Plop the baby Barn Owl all over again!
I love all the Julia Donaldson rhyming books - especially Room on the Broom and The Snail and the Whale.
For older children aged eight and over, the book ‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio is brilliant and I think should be read by every child. It’s written from the perspective of a little boy who is physically handicapped, and you learn how he feels about how people treat him - its a great read for adults and children.
Ask Nanny Louenna for more information about this subject or any questions you may have here:
louenna@hotmail.com
Read more about Nanny Louenna and her work here: http://louennahood.co.uk