Our client is seeking a Head Nanny to join their family in Belsize Park, London, ASAP until July 2024.  Candidates must possess flexibility and be willing to travel. This individual will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for the children's development. As Head Nanny of 16-month-old twins you will be responsible for overseeing the daily schedule and activities for the children.

Responsibilities:

• This will be a 13-hour shift per day (the Head Nanny currently works Monday to Thursday - arrives Sunday night at the property and leaves Thursday night)
• Following a strict daily routine that promotes the children's development and growth
• Demonstrating constant flexibility and adaptability to the family's needs and preferences
• Organising and participating in age-appropriate activities that promote cognitive and social development
• Collaborating with, working alongside and constantly staying in touch with the mother, who is actively involved and well-informed on a daily basis
• Communicating with parents about the children's progress and any concerns that arise
• Keeping track of the children's day-to-day activities, milestones and progress to inform parents, giving them the information needed to adjust the schedule and activities as required
• Staying up-to-date with the latest research and practices in child development to provide the best possible care for the children
• Managing the current nanny team on a day-to-day basis, and training any additional nannies or household staff as needed
• Work collaboratively as a team with the other nannies in place on a daily basis. When working with other nannies, effective communication is key. Collaborate and discuss amongst each other to determine who will be responsible for specific tasks at any given time. This helps eliminate unnecessary repetition and ensures that tasks are completed efficiently
• Preparing nutritional meal plans and meals for the children
• Changing nappies and clothing as needed, dressing appropriately for weather and temperatures
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment for the children to play and learn in, ensuring that the children's areas/home remain at a high standard of cleanliness by following a daily list of cleaning tasks, as well as a weekly cleaning schedule
• Maintaining tidy and organised spaces for the use of the girls and other family members, and doing so in a timely manner
• Maintaining inventory and ensuring stock rotation of supplies and materials needed for childcare

Requirements:

• It's important to understand that this position does not allow for complete autonomy when it comes to the children. For example, you will not have the freedom to dictate their schedules, plan activities and outings, or organise playdates at your discretion
• You need to possess the ability to be proactive and use your own initiative, but must be able to follow instructions effectively. Requirement to stay open-minded, highly adaptable, and flexible, even if you possess a wealth of experience and knowledge
• To succeed in this role, you should have exceptional communication skills, work well in a team, and be able to follow directions from parents. Additionally, you should have a deep understanding of child development for this age group and be able to progress the children to the next stages of learning   
• You should also be highly motivated, organised, and able to complete daily duties in a timely manner
• Finally, a calm and easy-going personality with the ability to read a room and assess what the family needs at any given time is essential

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in childhood development or equivalent experience in a related field (preferred)                                              
• Training in Montessori education (preferred)
• Languages - Spanish in addition to English (preferred)

Skills and experience:

• Minimum of 5 years experience working as a Nanny
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Strong planning, organisational, and multitasking skills with minimal supervision
• Self-starter with excellent communication and judgment skills
• Knowledgeable and proactive in understanding developmental stages and teaching children
• Experience working in a team environment, preferably in a staffed home
• Understanding the balance between warmth and professionalism, avoiding excessive talkativeness
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally
• CPR certification and up-to-date vaccinations

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Regular communication and interaction with children and principals
• Use of hands and fingers to handle objects and tools
• Standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling as necessary
• Regular movement within the residence
• Occasional lifting, transporting, and moving of up to 50 pounds
• Physical ability to care for energetic and active children

Competencies:

• Communication: clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal. Effective conveyance of insights and understanding of issues or problems. Communicates important information to co-workers, supervisors, and managers                                        
• Trustworthiness and integrity: always act in the best interests of the family, maintaining trust and integrity                                                                                                             
• Independent and team-oriented: ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting                                                                                                                             
• Critical thinking: skilful questioning to gather necessary information and promptly respond to problems. Finds efficient ways to accomplish tasks and positively impact the team through effective time management                                                                   
• Dependability: consistently reliable and accountable in meeting job requirements
• Attention to detail: actively listens and comprehends information and ideas presented verbally                                                                                                                          
• Initiative: takes proactive measures and confidently initiates independent actions. Addresses unexpected problems or opportunities without prompting

If you are a compassionate and experienced nanny with a genuine love for children, and you thrive in a dynamic and high-profile environment, you are invited to apply for this rewarding opportunity.