A LISNASKEA native has her sights set on working for royalty as she begins her specialist training to become a Norland Nanny – a childcarer of choice for the rich and famous.

From a very young age, Louise Kennedy has enjoyed helping others younger than herself. Now, at the age of 18, she has taken her first steps in the process of turning her passion for working with children into a career.

Following success in her A-Levels this year, Louise was accepted onto a degree course at the prestigious Norland College, in Bath, world-famous for providing the very best early years training and education.

A former student of Fivemiletown College, Louise explained that her interest in working with children developed through her studies there and the encouragement she received from her teachers.

“Playing a role in someone’s life and having a positive impact can be extremely rewarding for myself,” Louise told The Impartial Reporter.

She first discovered Norland College when she watched a documentary about it a few years ago.

“Mrs. Daly, my Careers teacher, then helped me research it. I knew then I really wanted to go there,” said Louise, adding that Norland is a very prestigious college:

“It is a gold-rated training college that produces excellent Early Years professionals. This will allow me to fulfil my potential.”

During her time at Norland, Louise will be studying a degree in Child Learning and Development.

“Norland differs from other colleges, as we also study the Norland diploma alongside the degree. This gives us the opportunity to learn about food and nutrition, sewing and being professional, as well as driving tips and self-defence!” noted Louise.

She went on to explain that Norland Nannies help to provide the physical and educational needs of a child as well as having the responsibilities for all nursery duties.

As a student at Norland College, Louise has a specific uniform that symbolises the professional status of a Norland Nanny.

To qualify, Louise will have to complete three years of training at the college and a one-year nannying placement.

“Once you qualify, you can call yourself a Norland Nanny, and can join the Norland agency. Families looking for a Norland Nanny must go through this agency.

“There are other Early Years career pathways you can go into, having this degree and diploma,” said Louise, adding that when she qualifies she hopes to travel and work with children from across the world.

Louise is one of only two students from the island of Ireland to be accepted onto the degree course at Norland College this year.

She explained that her acceptance at Norland depended on her achieving good grades along with attending an interview in Bath, where the college is based.

“This involved being in a group interview and also a one-to-one interview. Norland look for a passion to work with children in candidates,” shared Louise, who was delighted to learn in mid-August that her offer of a place had been confirmed.

She moved over to Bath at the start of September to begin her first year.

“It definitely has been a bit of a whirlwind, leaving home, meeting my new flatmates and finding my way around Bath. I have enjoyed getting to know my new tutors and have found them very welcoming and supportive,” she shared.

She explained that during the first few weeks of her course, she was taught the Code of Professional Responsibilities as a Norland Nanny.

“I also learnt that I am very good at throwing hatchets!”

Louise added with a laugh, noting that this revelation came from a team-building exercise.

Highly-regarded for their childcare provision, Norland Nannies have been famously employed by the Royal Family.

Maria Borrallo – the nanny of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – is Norland-trained.

When asked if she would be interested in working for the Royal Family if the opportunity arose, with much enthusiasm Louise said: “Absolutely!

“It would be an amazing experience and honour.”