When it comes to arranging the very best childcare for your family, it’s important to look at all options. After all, your children are the most important people in your lives, so it’s more than worthwhile!
All families have different needs when it comes to childcare, and it depends heavily upon the family situation and the age of the child/children as to which option to go for. A family with one child may need less childcare compared to a family with several children too.
The good news is that we have many different childcare options available at our fingertips these days. Gone are the days when there was only one way to ensure your child was well looked after – nursery. In many cases, that didn’t work out for some families and boarding schools were also a far-fetched idea for many.
That’s why nannies and governesses, whether live in or live out, are such a great addition to the modern day childcare world.
Within that niche, there are many different working situations, and one which many families find useful, is the rota set-up.
What is a Rota Nanny or Rota Governess?
A rota nanny or rota governess provides 24/7 care for a child/children on a rota basis. For instance, there will be two nannies or governesses who work side by side. One will work for two weeks on a 24/7 on-call basis, while the other will then take over for the next two weeks, before swapping over once more.
Many childcare experts who work in this manner are often hired by families of high social standing or those who need to be away from home for long periods of time, e.g. they work away from home or they have other responsibilities and family members may live too far away to help out.
This type of situation allows continuous care to be provided for the child/children, therefore ensuring no break in continuity and stability for the child. It also means extra peace of mind for the parents.
How Are Rota Nannies/Governesses Different?
A rota nanny or rota governess carries out the same duties as a live in or live out nanny or governess working set hours. A nanny obviously cares for a younger child, providing basic care and ensuring the child is safe and looked after at all times. A governess provides educational support and general care for the child, including helping to develop them in terms of independence, stability, and perseverance.
The only difference is the amount of time that the professional is working and the set up. When a family hires a ‘regular’ nanny or governess, they will work a set number of hours and then they will either go home, or if they live in with the family, they’ll finish duty and have their own personal time. Of course, during ad hoc occasions, the nanny or governess may be asked to work extra hours, e.g. during vacations or functions in the evening.
However, when a nanny or governess is working on a rota basis, they will work in a team with another professional and they will be on call 24 hours per day, for the set amount of time they’ve agreed – usually two weeks. They will then have their two weeks off, before returning back to work for another two weeks.
In this case, two nannies and governesses need to work closely to ensure hand over of care when one nanny finishes their stint and the other takes over. Honest and full communication is vital, and the professional should note down anything they need to tell their team mate as the two weeks progresses. This should also be fed back to the parents who the nanny or governess will be in regular communication with too.
The Benefits of Hiring a Rota Nanny/Governess
You might be unsure about whether a rota nanny or governess is the right choice for you. Remember, every family is different. To help you decide, let’s take a look at the benefits of choosing rota childcare professional.
Peace of Mind
While you’re away, regardless of your reason for being away, it’s important to know that your child is fully looked after and completely happy. Without that, you’re not going to be settled and you’re not going to be able to do what you need to do.
If you’re away for work, you’re going to be constantly worrying about your child and that’s going to affect your performance. Of course, in the world of work that could have drastic consequences.
However, when you choose a rota nanny or governess, you can be sure that your child is completely looked after and all their needs are covered. They are with their nanny or governess 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and when that nanny or governess’ time is over, they’ll switch to the other nanny or governess.
Your child will be very familiar with both nannies or both governesses, and they will feel comfortable and happy in your absence.
That’s a huge weight off your mind.
High Quality Care
By choosing a rota nanny or rota governess, you’re choosing a childcare professional with experience and knowledge. Of course, many families choose to leave their children with a family member or friend, and that’s fine. That works for them, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Not all families have close friends or family members who live close by or who are in a position to be able to look after their children while they’re away.
In that case, choosing a rota nanny or rota governess means that you have high quality, professional care at all times. Not only does that mean peace of mind, as we’ve already mentioned, but it means safety for your child and it also means their emotional needs are taken care of too.
It’s easy to worry about how your child is going to manage when you’re not around. While children are certainly resilient, many struggle when their main caregivers are not at home. When you choose a rota nanny or governess, you know that they’re trained in helping your child to settle and be calm. That’s a huge nod in the right direction and helps your child to no end.
Continuity of Care & Stability
Your child will get to know and trust their rota nannies and governesses. They will spend a lot of time with them and they’ll have a ‘settling in’ period first, so they feel happy and comfortable in their presence. Over time, they’ll build a bond of trust and this will be something which helps them to thrive and grow in confidence.
When you’re not able to be at home with your child, they have continuity of care and they’re not out of routine. You may wonder whether it would be better to take your child with you when you need to work away, and in some situations that may work, but children do tend to become very out of sorts when they’re not in their regular routine or in their home surroundings.
This stability is key in their personal and academic development. They will feel settled, calm, and able to continue in their daily activities and education without feeling out of balance or that something is missing.
Of course, your child will miss you when you’re away, but the fact they’re with someone they trust and feel very comfortable with helps to calm the waters and makes the situation much more positive for everyone.
The Nanny/Governess Gets to Know Your Child’s Specific Needs Well
As your rota nanny or governess is going to be spending extended time with your child, they’re going to get to know your child’s specific needs and quirks very well. This means they’re more able to look after your child because they’re literally immersed in life with them!
Of course, you will give your childcare professionals all the information they need beforehand in terms of general information, any medical issues, medication, etc, but sometimes specific needs are learned by spending time with a child. For instance, maybe they need a cuddle before bed otherwise they don’t sleep well, or they enjoy spending time together in the mornings before school because it helps them settle into the day.
These are things your rota nanny or governess will come to learn and by catering to these needs wherever necessary, your child will benefit from being calmer and more settled during your time away.
How Can We Help You?
If you’re reading this and thinking that a rota nanny or rota governess is the right choice for you, all you need to do is reach out to us and let us know your specific information.
Then, we can get to work matching you with the ideal childcare professionals for your needs. We have years of experience in helping families just like you, and all of our nannies and governesses are rigorously checked before signing with our agency.
