Frequently Asked Questions

Inviting an unknown person to work in my home is a big step. How do I know the person you send will be safe and reliable?

We understand that the safety of your family is paramount, and therefore insist on a full vetting process before allowing any candidate onto our database. Everyone who applies to work with us as a nanny, maternity nurse or governess undergoes an enhanced DBS check (see below for more information). Our consultants also verify previous childcare work, qualifications, and references. We will of course provide you with contact details so you can ask your own questions and speak to former employers for total peace of mind.

We used to meet all prospective candidates in person, these days we interview by video call (Zoom, Whatsapp, etc.), to ensure their personalities and values meet our expectations. We do not just rely on information by email. Before recommending any applicant, we thoroughly check all professionals to verify their working history and check their references.

It is a matter of pride at London Governess that we supply the finest childcare professionals who are honest, respectful, discreet, and dependable. You can therefore be confident that your children are in the safest hands.

As standard, we carry out an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check on everyone we supply. This is a deep investigation into a person’s history and is required by law for anyone who works with children. It lets us know that our candidates are good, honest people with nothing to hide.

Governesses

I only need a governess for a short period of time. Can London Governess help me?

Yes. Reliable, trustworthy, and highly qualified short-term governesses are available to meet the needs of your family. Our flexible service is designed to suit all situations, including emergency, travel, or holiday placements, whether at home or abroad.

In addition to recognising the importance of education, we also understand the need for children to get on well with their governess. Therefore, we only appoint candidates who are child-focused, energetic, patient, tolerant, and passionate about their work. Our friendly, skilled and safety-conscious governesses are available to meet the emotional and practical needs of your children, either working alongside you or whilst you are away from home. Depending upon your personal situation, the duties of a governess can include teaching, home-schooling, engaging children in educational play, and organising child-focused activities.

International services require a minimum of a two-week placement, and rates can be negotiated to meet your requirements.

What makes a London Governess governess different?

We are the only UK agency that specialises in providing international clients with British-educated and qualified governesses. All of the professional staff we supply have a minimum five years’ childcare and teaching experience. Our governesses are experienced professionals, each with their own teaching method and style, but all sharing the same ethos – a commitment to quality and integrity. We only recruit candidates who come highly recommended and recognised for their abilities to support social, cultural, and emotional development while providing a first-class education.

Before adding applicants to our database, we ensure they have all necessary and appropriate skills. We check our candidates for training qualifications in areas such as first aid and UK-based childcare qualifications, and require they keep these skills up to date.

Each professional will have attained a respected qualification such as how to manage difficult behaviour, working with children with special educational needs, food safety, nutrition, or other health and safety/professional subjects.

We also make sure that all applicants are capable of multi-tasking, and have competence in a range of areas including planning, organising, or art and craft.

Is employing a governess from the UK complicated?

Not at all. Drawing on our extensive accumulated know-how, we make the process simple for you. Once you have settled on a governess, we will arrange a working schedule. We are experienced with every aspect of placing our governesses both within the UK and internationally; this is a process we are very familiar with. Our professional staff can be placed on a short-term or long-term basis.

At London Governess, we help you take a slice of Britain abroad with you, and not only provide your child with a first-class British education, but a strong British role model also.

Nannies – Male Nannies

I need a nanny who can work different hours, or do some extra duties not included on your nanny page. Is this possible?

Yes. We provide a bespoke service to our clients, and are always happy to find nannies willing to take on different hours or particular duties that a client requires. Once you have told us what you need, we will consult with suitable candidates, then confirm with you when we find one who can meet your requirements. The key is to decide these specifics and questions in advance. Our service helps both employer and nanny reach an agreement on all important matters before the job begins, so everything runs smoothly when your nanny arrives.

My child learns English at school, but I want her to speak it with a clear, native-sounding accent. Will my nanny speak perfect native English?

London Governess was created for clients with exactly this requirement. We specialise in placing native British nannies and governesses, and with every London Governess professional you can be confident that your child will learn to speak fluent English. Your child will also benefit from the nanny’s good manners and British values.

I want a temporary nanny who is highly responsible and who I can trust to travel with the children unsupervised. Is this possible?

Yes. We can place extremely experienced, trustworthy holiday nannies with a wealth of experience in travelling to different world locations, as well as planning and scheduling activities for the children and caring for their day-to-day needs. Holiday nannies can either travel with your family, or alone with your child for Christmas or Easter holidays, during school holidays, or other occasions throughout the year.

Maternity Nurses

Need a Maternity Nurse?

At London Governess, we understand how important it is to find that perfect person to help care for your newborn baby.

Our maternity nurses are all highly trained British nannies, with extensive experience with newborn babies. With a London Governess, your child gets a fully qualified maternity nurse.

Some of you may require of your maternity nurse to completely take over looking after your baby. If you need a complete rest, you can arrange for any of the specific duties with your maternity nurse.

If you’ve got multiple babies, your nurse will help to settle them both into a natural, easy routine that will allow you to spend plenty of one-on-one time with each child. It’s not just nights that are made easy, either – your maternity nurse is self-employed, and will pay her own tax and national insurance, leaving you to focus on the things that really matter.

Do tutors do housework?

No. Tutors only teach your children at home and do not have any responsibilities regarding physical work. They are required solely to provide your children with help in achieving their full potential at school or in their examinations.

Who is a Private Teacher Companion?

This is a teacher who provides skilled tuition in a convenient way. Lessons can last a day, a couple of weeks, or any length of time between, and can take place anywhere that suits a client: at work, while walking, or shopping.