IN A CLIMATE of equal opportunities, where often both parents hold down jobs, nannies have never been more popular.

The demand is increasing every year.

But the problem for parents is not desiding to employ a helper but finding the right one.

Joyful Maria, the woman who skips dewy-eyed children up the Austrian Alps in the Sound Of Music, does not come along every day.

But a super generation of skilled nannies do share one major thing with her - a sense of fun. The Norland Nurses set the standard by which other nursery nurses are judged the world over.

In the words of Louise Davis, principal of the prestigious Norland College, in Hungerford, Berkshire, established over a 100 years ago: "A Norland Nurse enjoys an unparalleled reputation around the world for true professionalism, love of children and a sense of humour."

Heather McGrath, of Gibb Lane, Blackburn, turned her back on the family butchers' business to undergo the rigorous training involved in becoming a Norland nurse.

The former pupil of Westholme School, Blackburn, was one of only six in the country hand-picked to attend the exclusive college along with girls from Hong Kong and Australia.

Already she is looking after the offspring of diplomats and cabinet ministers at the college's Children's Hotel. She has to deal with all the pressures and traumas which beset a mother, often having to care for children from 20 to 24 hours a day

Heather, 20, said: "I decided to become a Norland nurse because I just liked being with children, yet it is a very demanding job.

"You may be asked to work extra at the last minute if someone goes off sick.

"Children can be very demanding but I love spending time with them, having fun and looking after them."

"Au pairs are sometimes treated with little respect and are expected to be housemaids as well.

"They don't get very well paid and are not guaranteed a job with a nice family," she said.

"As a Norland nanny you're respected, well-known and just care for the children. We're learning everything about children and are guaranteed a choice of jobs at the end." The Norland College course lasts for two years, during which time students have to achieve a standard of excellence in each area, whether it be theoretical studies, practical experience with children or creative work assignments.

Successful students leave the college as fully-qualified nursery nurses and after a 12 month probationary period receive the Norland College certificate.

Heather said: "When I finish I'd love to work in the country with a family who have two children and treat me like one of the family. I would like to be based in England and if I travel with them, well that's a bonus."

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