Georgina Melson
Norland Nanny
From the age of eight, Georgina always knew she wanted to be a nanny. After leaving Esher she began studying at Norland College, a prestigious and specialist early years higher education provider in Bath. Her work has taken her all over the world – to the US, the Bahamas and Italy – and she is now back in Surrey caring for two children. A five-year-old girl, who has a genetic condition with very complex needs, as well as her younger brother who is three and an energetic, inquisitive toddler.
Georgina was recently named Norland Nanny of the Year.
School: Esher Church of England School
At Esher: 2012-2014
Subjects: Health and Social Care, Business Studies and Psychology
Why did you choose a sixth form college?
I knew I wanted to achieve A Level results and I really wanted the opportunity to study and work in a more “university” style setting so I could work out what the best route was for me after Esher.
What were your course highlights at Esher?
In December, we were able to “host” a Christmas party for a local care home and invited some of their residents into the College for some festive celebrations. It was a wonderful afternoon listening to stories.
I also really enjoyed the child psychology side, which we covered a little in Health and Social Care and also a lot in Psychology. It really gave me the tools I needed and a knowledge base I could expand on at Norland.
What were your career plans for life after Esher?
As soon as I found out about Norland, I knew I wanted to go there to study for a degree. I spoke to my Health and Social Care teacher (Annie) and she advised me on the interview process. I worked really hard and achieved enough UCAS points to take the Norland BA (Hons) degree in early childhood education and development, as well as receiving the Norland Diploma.
What was your career path after Esher?
After graduating with a 2:1 degree from Norland, I moved to Barnes for my first year as a Newly Qualified Nanny and I stayed with them for 18 months. Since then, my career has taken me around the world with different families including America (Miami, New York, Atlanta), The Bahamas, Barcelona, Florence, Amsterdam, Rhodes and South Africa. I was also lucky enough to live in Bali for five months!
What have been your career highlights so far?
Finding out I had won Norland Nanny of the Year was a big highlight. My boss told me she’d nominated me, and we made jokes about getting the children to make me my own trophy before the news came in! It’s nice to know that the work and effort you apply to a job does get noticed and is appreciated.
Another great point of my career is seeing the children I care for, develop into strong, happy and determined people. Knowing that they are going to keep achieving their goals means I have been successful in my job as their nanny.
What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
If I could give my 16-year-old self some advice it would be to take a breath and stress slightly less. Everything happens for a reason and you will achieve your dreams and goals if you just put your mind to it.