How much/what experience do you require your live in nanny to have?

Hi all,

I am hoping to move from the UK to Dubai in the near future through securing a position as a live in nanny/tutor/governess. I have been signing up to various well-known agencies, sending off my CV and having Skype interviews. I am starting to worry that due to my lack of paid experience as a nanny, my details are not going to be passed on to prospective families.

Exactly what do you look for in selecting a nanny? Is it all about their paid experience or do other qualities count?

A bit more about myself;
- I'm 23 and a secondary school teacher (experience of teaching Health & Social Care/Sociology/Child Care/English) with Qualified Teacher Status.
- I have a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (with 60 Masters credits in Education) my final research piece was completed whilst on placement at a primary school in which I contrasted the use of praise and positive reinforcement between primary and secondary settings.
- I have a degree in Social Policy (BA Hons, 2.1) with modules specialising in care and protection of children and families, sociology of childhood, children's rights, safeguarding, mental health and sociology of family.
- I have worked as a (complex) care/support worker completing up-to 12 hour shifts with children aged between 5 and 16 with varying additional needs (ASD/ADHD, cerebral palsy, muscular atrophe, learning difficulties, speech and language difficulties, selective mutism, challenging behaviour etc.)
- Through being employed as a carer (and now currently a teacher) I have had various training and certificates in things such as; managing challenging behaviour, safeguarding children, ASD and other SEN, EAL, basic first aid and CPR, hygiene and preparation of food etc.)
- I have acted as a 'second parent' to my younger sister (now 8 years old) from the moment she was born (bathing, feeding, changing nappies, dressing, playing with her, supporting her learning, reading to her - I have supported her through all aspects of her development).
- I have a brother (now 16 years old) who has autism. I have extensive experience and understanding in what autism is and how to support a child with autism.
- I have basic language skills in French, Spanish and Japanese (GCSE level)
- I have a genuine passion in caring for and supporting children in their development.
- I am currently completing an online course in Child Behaviour and hope to continue onto Child Nutrition

Truthfully, would any of you even consider a nanny who didn't have paid experience? How much experience would they have to have before you considered them? Would you only consider if they have nanny experience or would other child care roles be suitable? (e.g. babysitting, after school clubs etc.)

Thank you all in advance for any advice offered!

- Steph :)