The childcare industry encompasses a variety of different professionals, all striving to create a safe and caring environment for children to grow up in. Oftentimes the most common position you will hear about is a nanny, however, another frequently sought-after role is that of a governess.
A governess is a professional tutor, trained to an incredibly high standard to provide children with exceptional and personalised levels of education and support. They are typically employed when the child is of school age and primarily focus on their educational and emotional needs, enhancing their academic, social and cultural development.
A governess greatly elevates the responsibilities of a traditional nanny. Often having a teaching or educational background, they offer a multitude of specialist skills they can pass on to the children they look after. These can include teaching them a new language, a musical instrument or different sports, as well as nourishing hobbies like reading and writing.
The main duties of a governess may include:
Oftentimes, a governess will come from an educational or teaching background, offering a multitude of specialist skills for your children to learn. These can include teaching them a new language, a musical instrument or different sports, as well as nourishing hobbies like reading and writing.
Most governesses have formal training and an educational background. They are likely to be familiar with the UK National Curriculum, ensuring they can support the child's education in line with what they are currently learning at school.
Families often choose to employ a governess to either home-school their child or provide tailored assistance based on the child's needs. This service can be particularly useful if a child is struggling in a specific subject area or more generally at school. In many schools, teachers are responsible for 20 to 30 children at a time, which can make it difficult to give each child dedicated, individual attention.
Every child learns differently. While some may thrive in a group setting, others will likely benefit from a more personalised approach. This is where a governess can offer truly invaluable support by assisting with homework, supervising revision and providing well-rounded academic support.
Nannies and governesses play an important part in early years development. While both are responsible for a child's health and wellbeing, the two roles differ in their aims, approaches and areas of focus, with the primary difference being the age group they are responsible for.
While a nanny is likely to work with babies, toddlers and very young children, a governess is more focused on a child's educational needs and, as such, they usually work with children who are of school age, often from around 6 years old. A governess can be employed as a home-school teacher or on a part-time basis, providing tailored academic support within the family home.
Governess candidates undergo extensive vetting and screening procedures, ensuring our consultants put forward only the best and most suitable ones for your consideration. With a clear understanding of your family's needs, Little Ones is dedicated to finding you an exceptional governess who is perfectly suited to your requirements.
Before the start of employment, all candidates will have:
Following the initial interview, our consultants ensure that each candidate has provided proof of the above documentation, as well as verbally reviewing and confirming their references. Little Ones consultants also ensure that every candidate put forward is not only genuinely interested in the role, but also has the potential to integrate seamlessly into your family, with values and principles that align with your own.
The costs associated with hiring a governess can vary depending on several factors, including their experience and qualifications, location of the job and the number of children. Typically, a governess is expected to work anywhere from five to ten hours a day, five to six days a week, depending on the family's needs and requirements.
Based on recent placements at Little Ones, the common rate for a governess in the UK is in the region of £1,000 to £2,000 gross per week. This rate includes basic accommodation within the family home or a separate flat close by.
The cost for an overseas governess will generally be higher. This is because overseas candidates command a higher salary for working in foreign, often HNW or UHNW environments, where they offer higher educational qualifications, full discretion and 24/7 availability. The final cost for an overseas governess in Europe can range from EUR 4,000 to EUR 6,500 gross per month.
Additionally, hiring a governess outside of Europe will incur an even higher cost of £4,500 to £7,000 gross per month. This is often because of the specialised skills and education required, such as bilingual skills, as well as the cost of relocation and high living standards, particularly in areas like the UAE.
When it comes to finding a suitable governess, you generally have two options: conducting the search and vetting process yourself or partnering with a specialised agency to handle the sourcing on your behalf. While some parents may have the time to look for a governess on their own, the most reliable and efficient way for most families is to partner with an agency.
As a reputable domestic staffing agency, Little Ones has operated in the domestic and childcare industry for over 20 years. Our consultants maintain a curated pool of highly qualified, professional candidates open to full-time and part-time positions, often ready to start immediately. They take care of the heavy lifting by managing the initial interviews, screening and reference checks, saving you countless hours of sorting through unsuitable applications and profiles.
In addition, our consultants can provide expert advice and guidance throughout the entire process, along with top tips to help you when interviewing candidates yourself.
Call us today or enquire via our website, and a specialist consultant will be in touch to answer any questions and provide tailored advice so you can secure the most suitable governess for your children.