Modern Mary Poppins: inside the elite's nanny college – photo essay

The Dutch photographer Guia Besana spent time with students at the world’s oldest childcare training institution, still favoured by the international elite. Her series explores the heritage of Norland College, and the individuals who aspire to work internationally as nannies and nursery nurses

Norland nannies have become a global status symbol: from the British royal family to George Clooney, the wealthy elite snap up the export of a single British school in Bath, for their children’s care, development and education. The students are dressed in modestly updated uniforms from the one donned by their 1892 counterparts, but the people who wear the uniforms today are considerably different.

At the prestigious Norland College in Bath, students follow a demanding programme that balances tradition and modernity in order to become the nannies of exception to the elite.

Students having a lunch break at Norland College

Cookery is an important part of the curriculum

A portrait of the founder, Emily Ward, looks down from the college’s entrance hall

Students attending a lecture in emotion coaching

The sewing lecturer, Kate Jaeger, demonstrating stitching

The uniform is still a strong part of Norland’s tradition

Third-year student Charles Lanzani wears the male version of the Norland uniform, with men having joined the ranks

Students stop for a brief chat on their way to class

Outdoor activities, such as turning sticks and threads into play objects, rope play and making fires are part of students’ learning

Castle Combe racing circuit offers skidpan activities, which prepares the would-be nannies to become skilled drivers and control, contain and avoid skids

Lanzani, left, and Jordon Murray, a second-year student, are among 11 men training to be nannies at the college

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2Hq9EvD