2nd June 2025

Our childcare students have gone on to a variety of careers since graduating, with some proudly donning the traditional white gloves and iconic boater hat uniform of the prestigious Norland Nannies – often thanks to inspiration from a certain family member – their grandmothers! 

One of our current students is celebrating after being offered a place at the renowned specialist early childhood education and care higher education provider Norland. Its inhouse employment agency, the Norland Agency, has been placing Norland Nannies and Norland Maternity Nurses with families in London, across the UK and overseas since 1892. 

Daisy Gray is completing her T Level in Education and Early Years at the College and has secured a place with Norland after a rigorous application process, following in another College student’s footsteps who is now working as a Norland Nanny.  

Daisy first joined the College for her GCSEs when she was introduced to the childcare subject. She said: “I loved it so, after completing my GCSEs, I chose to do a Childcare T level which gave me a mix of both practical and theoretical experience. I enjoyed the small class sizes and how helpful and supportive the tutors were – it created a very calm and nurturing environment. 
 
“I chose the T level because I knew I would enjoy the combination of practical and theory, so I could put what I learned in college into practice in my industry placement at a local primary school, whilst developing new skills.  

“The staff are also amazingly supportive in getting you through the course – they support students so well with weekly one-to-one meetings with our tutors to talk through issues.” 

^{Daisy Gray is taking her place at Norland, following her T Level in Education and Early Years at South Devon College}
   
Daisy first learned about Norland through her Nan, who had known someone who was a Norland Nanny. With further research, Daisy realised her dream was to join Norland.  

“When I started the T level I knew I wanted to specialise and I looked into Norland and the amazing opportunities that came with it. I immediately knew it was where I saw myself in the future. 

“The college staff were incredibly supportive and went above and beyond in helping me work out what to do – they informed us about all of the options available to us after the course and gave us guidance so we could make fully-informed decisions.” 

Daisy is planning on continuing her placement as a Teaching Assistant for a year before taking up the position with Norland, to gain more experience and to build up finances. 

Her advice for anyone thinking of applying to South Devon College is this: “Look at different career options and think about what you really want to do. Don’t underestimate yourself and be brave when challenges arise. Work hard and have fun!”  

Daisy is following in the esteemed footsteps of Charlotte Smith, who graduated from South Devon College with a Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education  

In an echo of Daisy’s experience, Charlotte also has her grandmother to thank for her Norland dream!  

“I was 10 years old when my Granny sent me a cut out newspaper article of a Norland nanny and it sparked my interest. I’ve always had a passion in early years but the idea of becoming a Norland Nanny was something else.  

“Ever since that day I was set on becoming a nanny and I went to my first open day at Norland aged 15. I loved the practical side to Norland and the opportunities it could offer.” 

^{Charlotte Smith in the famous Norland uniform, alongside her proud Mum}

Charlotte facilitated her career aspirations by enrolling on the early years course at the College and, in her words, “loved every minute”. 

“I loved coming into college – lectures were engaging and I gained a great relationship with my teachers and peers. I liked how varied classes were, giving us the independence to go off and study individually or with friends.” 

She found the placement aspect of the course a very useful learning experience: “The placements were a great way to get hands-on experience in a nursery or school environment.  

“I did one of my placements at a primary school in the nursery and reception classes. I gained some great knowledge working alongside staff and planning activities for the children. The children and staff were amazing!” 

Following her completion of the Level 3, Charlotte chose to gain further practical experience before applying to Norland: “I worked in Italy for two months teaching a family how to speak English whilst also caring for the children. I also worked for families across Torbay needing childcare.” 

Charlotte then studied further with Norland College in Bath to gain further experience and qualifications: “The Norland course provides you with an Early Childhood Education and Care BA (Hons) degree and a Norland Diploma. 

“Studying at Norland was such an amazing experience. One day you’re in a lecture learning about how to start up your own nursery and next you’re sewing a child’s apron! 

“And there are plenty of families looking for babysitters in Bath, which is a great way to earn money whilst studying and helps with the student expenses.” 

Before becoming a fully-qualified Norland Nanny, students spend a probation year working as an NQN (newly qualified nanny): “This allows us to go straight into a job whilst also completing our training. Once fully qualified the world is our oyster – there are so many jobs worldwide. 

“I currently work in London with the family I did my NQN year with. I absolutely love my job. I take care of a three-year-old girl and 17-month-old boy who are absolutely amazing. I have a brilliant partnership with my employers and feel very valued by them. 

“I have a sole charge, working five days a week. My job consists of nursery pick up and drop off, trips out, and early years activities, as well as cooking for the children.”  

Norland Nannies are often employed by high net worth families, due to their high-quality training and exceptional reputation. With that comes attractive working conditions: “I have been to some great places with my job and previous jobs too! I did a holiday job in the Alps and was able to go skiing whilst the children were in ski school.” 

Charlotte has nothing but happy memories of her time at South Devon College. She said: “I felt that the early years course was the best way to reflect my passion and experience, and a great start to my career.  

“I can’t explain how much I valued my lecturers and I felt very supported when I said I wanted to attend Norland. I think they were my driving force in receiving my offer from Norland.” 

What would Charlotte’s advice be to students thinking of applying to study childcare at South Devon College? 

“If you have a passion with early years absolutely go for it. It was nice to be treated like an adult after leaving school. 

“I definitely want to continue to nanny for the foreseeable future – I love living and working in London!” 

If you fancy studying early years childcare and perhaps proudly wearing the Norland uniform one day, see our relevant courses here: Children, Society & Education Archives – South Devon College