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Britain's Poshest Nannies

Britain's Poshest Nannies poster

Britain's Poshest Nannies

201446 min.

Where to Watch Britain's Poshest Nannies

"Britain's Poshest Nannies" is a captivating documentary film from the year 2014 that takes you through an unusual, privileged world of child care in the United Kingdom. Produced by ITV, the documentary provides an inside perspective into the life and work of Norland Nannies, who are considered amongst the most elite caretakers in the world. The film mainly pivots around the peculiarities of the famous Norland College in Bath, that has been churning out top-of-the-line nannies for affluent families since 1892. The college prides itself on minting professional nannies who are as robust, efficient, and skilled in traditional child-rearing methods as they are in handling modern everyday risks and emergencies.

The 60-minute documentary plunges the viewer into the immersive and meticulously regimented learning environment of Norland College. It begins by introducing us to a group of first-year trainees who are embarking on a three-year, amusement-free course designed to instill skillsets ranging from sewing and cooking, to self-defense and skidpan driving, all of which are intended to prepare them to cater to the varying needs of the distinguished British upper crust and the international elite. The film presents a number of scenes of hands-on classroom training where nascent nannies are taught to deal with situational mishaps, ailing kids or a touch of high society diplomacy.

"Britain's Poshest Nannies" is narrated by Julian Clary, who effortlessly bridges the gap between viewers and the somewhat obscure world of upscale childcare with acute wit and charm, thereby adding an essential dash of humor and accessibility to what might otherwise come across as utterly remote from normality. The documentary offers unimaginable scenes from the profession of a nanny – the babies they use for their training modules are dolls programmed to cry, hiccup, and demand nappy change at odd hours, or they might be completely petrified mothers handing over their bundles of joy to the trainee nannies for an overnight experiment.

The film's narrative also encompasses adorable snippets of the nannies being drilled into mastering the art of handling large petticoats, bonnets, and the famous uniform that screams Victorian respectability in each crease, which is to be donned by these modern-day Mary Poppins while on duty. Forensic attention paid to the venerable tradition of afternoon tea etiquette, hosting a party, or making cream-filled sponges goes on to underline the highly disciplined, quaintly old-fashioned, yet indisputably professional ethos of Norland.

Apart from the primary focus on the nanny trainees, the film also sheds light on how these elite nannies are sought after by rich and famous families worldwide. From established British families to Arab sheikhs and Hollywood celebrities, hiring a Norland nanny is often seen as a status symbol due to their unparalleled service quality, discretion, and of course, the hefty price tag.

"Britain's Poshest Nannies" successfully provides a compelling dive into a unique world where modern necessities and traditional values dovetail with precision and flair. It does a commendable job of erasing the commonly imagined demure caricature of a nanny and reinstating it with an image of a capable professional who collaboratively molds herself into an asset within a complex family setup. The film unfolds a hitherto unexplored avenue, largely untouched by mainstream cinema, and puts it forward in a compelling manner that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In a nutshell, "Britain's Poshest Nannies" is likely to be a wizardly delight for those curious viewers who hold a fascination for the British aristocratic lifestyle, the intricacies of bespoke professions, or anyone simply looking for an intriguing, well-made documentary. The film, with its warm-hearted narrative, insightful interviews, and engaging visuals, encapsulates a little-known corner of British culture and opens it up for the viewers to relate to it, appreciate it, or critique it.

201446 min.
Director
Iain Scollay
Genres
Documentary