Gwendolyn’s Norland dreams about to become reality

They’re the nannies who care for the children of the rich, the famous and the royal. They’re the Norland Nannies, and one of City of Portsmouth College’s own is about to take the next step in joining them.

Early Years and Education T Level student Gwendolyn will be joining the prestigious Norland next year, after a receiving a conditional offer. The institution is notoriously tough to get into and offers one course only – how to become a Norland Nanny.

Norland Nannies, with their distinctive uniforms and multitude of skills, have been specialists in looking after children since 1892. To become one, you must complete an undergraduate degree (BA Hons Early Childhood Education and Care) and a diploma (the Norland Diploma) at the same time. It’s been a dream of Gwendolyn’s to become one since she was just 11 years old, when she saw a documentary about it.

“I’ve always wanted to work with children from a very young age and knew this was my path, to make a huge impact in countless lives. I started to look at roles with children, however I wanted to do something where I could really reach my full potential and something unique that fits me, my passion and values,” said Gwendolyn.

“As soon, as I watched the Norland documentary, I fell in love with the idea of being a highly skilled nanny that can work with a huge variety of families to the highest standard and be a part of a legacy and community that promotes how crucial the early years is. Not only that, Norland provides you with skills that no other university offers and skills that are crucial to have when working with children to the best practice. Since then, my passion has just grown and it is a dream come true to have a conditional place.”

Part of the unique pull of being a Norland Nanny is the breadth of skills you learn. It’s more than just childcare, it’s everything from sewing and knitting and cooking, through to self-defence.

“I'm actually really excited about learning self-defence because I think it's a great opportunity and a great skill to know, especially nowadays and to be able to protect children and yourself,” she said.

We are creating the foundation that children will thrive from, as 90 percent of the brain is formed by age five. It is incredible the amount we learn at such an early age from talking to expressing our emotions, walking or our thinking. The smallest interactions could have a lifelong impact and can also impact who we are as people when we become older.

We are trusted professionals to care for the most valuable people in someone’s life and to ensure we help support children to reach their full potential. Nannying is a huge responsibility from keeping children safe by training in first aid and safeguarding, to creating activities that children can learn from, to monitoring children’s development, to supporting wellbeing, working with parents and holistic development by providing nutritious food that fuels the brain and growth. And so much more that goes into being a nanny that can be hard to see.”

Gwendolyn said her time in placement while at City of Portsmouth College has been the most valuable experience, and chose it because of the Nursery, as she thought it would really prepare her for the skills that she’ll need for Norland.

And her advice for fellow childcare students with the goal of joining Norland?

“Follow your dreams and make them come true. It’s so important to have goals and dreams and to make them happen. Regardless of how long it takes – and keep trying.”

Next week, 2-6 March, is Colleges Week, a nationwide celebration of further education and the skills for life they provide to students of all ages. If you've been inspired by Gwendolyn's story and want to pursue a career in childcare or early years education, check out our vocational courses.