Case Studies

We asked some Norlanders to share their own experiences and asked them why they would recommend Norland College to other prospective students.

Elspeth Pitman trained at Norland College from 2001-2003

Qualifications from Norland College:
Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood Studies (Dip HE), NVQ Level 3 and the Montessori Certificate.

What I did next:
After leaving college I completed a six week teaching practice for my Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy in a Wandsworth Nursery School. I then went on to start my probationary year in a private family in central London. I really enjoyed this time of putting my skills into practice. I looked after a two year old girl who was then given a little sister half way through my probationary year. I was given the opportunity to learn so much in my probationary year and was glad to have college at the end of the phone when I needed a little advice.

Upon completing my probationary year I found myself eager to explore the idea of an overseas nanny position. I finally found myself in Basel, Switzerland with a family who had just moved there. As I had spent my childhood in this city I was able help settle the family and my two charges, a girl aged six and a little boy who was one and a half, into their new home and life. I was given a lot of freedom to care for these children and absolutely loved being able to plan exciting ways to help them develop and learn.

After nearly two years in this position and feeling really torn about leaving, I decided that I needed to return to the UK to finish my degree. At the time the Open University was not offering an Early Childhood Degree so I chose Health and Social Care subjects. A year of hard work and determination later I was rewarded with a BSc Open Degree. I was very proud!

During this year I also had the opportunity to broaden my skills even further and work in many temporary nanny positions. They varied from a day to a couple of months, cover for sick leave or parents away on holiday. I covered all different age groups and numbers of children. I worked for families who lived in cottages to families who lived in staffed households. The temporary posts required skills in thinking on my feet when often thrown in at the deep end, being creative in households I didn't know and learning to understand many different children's needs. It was just a fantastic opportunity to grow in my knowledge, skills and confidence.

What I am doing now:
I believe that the year of temporary nanny posts prepared me well for my current position, working for the NHS as a Sure Start Community Nursery Nurse. I work with families in a deprived area of a small city in the South of England. I work in a multi-disciplinary team helping families give their children a better start in life. My main role at the moment is to provide parenting advice to families with children under five years. I work very closely with Midwives and Health Visitors to provide this service. I often do not know what to expect when visiting a new family in their home and again often find myself having to think on my feet and find creative ways to help these families overcome their difficulties in bringing up their children. Although I have learnt a great deal in this new position, I will always be very grateful for the sound foundation in childcare and development I was given through the comprehensive training I received at college.

Norland training provides a unique opportunity to qualify in the childcare profession with a sound knowledge of childhood, development and care and at the same time provides skills in practical application in many different and creative ways.

Emily Lorton trained at Norland College from 2005-2007

Qualifications from Norland College:
Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood Studies (Dip HE), NVQ Level 3 and the Montessori Certificate.

What I did next:
After leaving college my probationary year was spent in Fulham, London working for a wonderful family taking care of three fantastic girls who were 4,9 and 11 years old. I also helped another local mother with two baby boys while the girls were at school. This was a very busy job but full of fun, extremely rewarding and taught me so much. I worked for this family for 14months but still remain in close contact with them all.

What I am doing now:
Following my brilliant year in London I felt ready to use my Norland qualification to do something different. Through the Norland agency I was placed in a job working for the Ski Company, Descent who run some of the most prestigious chalets in the world. Descent particularly wanted to work with Norland because of its reputation and it was a privilege to be able to represent Norland and work for the company. Working as the only nanny for the company I have been able to travel all over the French alps and parts of Switzerland. Working a ski season is very busy and at times hard work but I have had the chance to met and work with so many different families from all over the world. I am currently having an amazing time and benefiting from my Norland training in many different ways. I also hope to complete my BA (Hons) degree over the next few years.

Advice to Students
Working as a Norlander is a dream come true and I am extremely proud to carry on the reputation that Norlanders have throughout the world. Even in my short career I have had many exciting adventures, met new people and travelled to some amazing places. The opportunities really are endless.