Norland College in Bath offers a distinctive degree and diploma course that trains students to become professional graduate nannies. Graduates go on to care for children of celebrities, royals, and professionals seeking high-quality childcare. The college provides comprehensive training drawing on neuroscience, psychology, education, and child health.
Students study topics such as playful learning, holistic wellbeing, baby care, cooking, sewing, and safeguarding. The programme lasts three years, with a final year in paid employment. Founded in 1892, Norland has over 130 years of experience and is known for producing exceptional early years practitioners. Notably, the nanny to the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales is a Norland graduate.
Class sizes are limited to 26 students, with around 100 new enrolments per year, ensuring a 10:1 staff-to-student ratio. Norland was named the UK's top university for enhanced graduate outcomes at the 2021 Whatuni Student Choice Awards and won the Top Small or Specialist Provider Award at the 2023 Whatuni Awards. It also received the UK's Inspiring Course Award at the Independent Higher Education Awards 2022.
Principal Dr Janet Rose said: 'Norlanders are renowned worldwide for their exceptional training, flexible approach and professionalism. Nannying is an extremely rewarding career – professionally supporting a child and watching them develop is one of the most privileged positions in the world.' Students earn a BA Honours degree in Early Childhood Education and Care over three years, alongside a four-year Norland diploma. In the final diploma year, they work as probationary nannies in a 12-month family placement, earning around £25,000 on average without paying tuition fees.
During their degree, students spend over 1,300 hours (40% of their time) on placements, including at least eight different settings such as maternity wards, paediatric wards, special educational needs schools, forest schools, nurseries, and with families. Upon completion, they gain Level 6 Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner status and can pursue careers in teaching or nursing. The curriculum includes optional modules like sustainable practice, drama, music, STEM, and children's literature, plus a value-added curriculum with workshops on physical development, anti-discriminatory practice, bereavement, and mental health.
