Information

All our candidates need to have an innate love of children and be extremely proud of their profession. Our candidates also know the importance of monitoring their charges’ physical development, of socialising through contact with other children, and of promoting a sense of confidence, self-esteem and happiness.

They need to have a keen interest in encouraging children’s potential, stimulating and developing young minds through such activities as play, games, reading, writing, singing, dressing up, arts and crafts, baking – as well as outside visits to parks, museums, galleries, cultural events and the countryside.

Parents & Guardians

We would like to discuss what you and your children need and explore how we can be of service to you. To talk through and fully understand your domestic circumstances so we can make a suitable match, once you have found a candidate and wish to make an offer, we help negotiate the package and provide a template of an employment contract which you can amend to suit your needs.

Candidates

We aim to place you in a post that plays to your strengths. To talk through how we can help, we are always on hand to listen and support you throughout your career.

Qualifications

All nannies need to have either a nursing or teaching qualification, or be experienced in childcare with a sound knowledge of children’s health and development. Childcare qualifications we ask for are as follows:

  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies
  • NVQ Level III
  • NNEB (National Nursery Education Board)
  • BTEC (National Diploma Caring Services: Nursery Nurse)
  • Montessori Diplomas or equivalent qualifications from outside the UK

Experienced but less qualified candidates may also be considered provided they have worked for at least 2 years in a private household.

Maternity nurses need to be trained midwives, nurses with an early life specialism or very experienced nannies with a wealth of newborn knowledge. The qualifications we ask for include:

  • MNT Maternity Practitioner Award
  • The NEST Course in Post-natal Care
  • Midwifery
  • BSc or Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
  • Nursing Licensure Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Nursing Certification (CCRN)

Governesses and Tutors need to have subject and teaching qualifications at the appropriate level and in the relevant subjects:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
  • Bachelor of Education

We encourage our candidates to become OFSTED Registered.
Overseas and international candidates may need to have a second language.

Checks

We thoroughly investigate all candidates, interview them in person, check their qualifications and references and ensure they have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure). After every booking we reference check the candidate so that all her references are up-to-date.

Nanny

Both live-in and live-out nannies are typically expected to care directly for the children in their charge, to keep their bedrooms clean and tidy, to cook for them and to do the children’s laundry.

Live-in nannies normally provide a minimum of two nights baby-sitting each week.

Live-out nannies babysit after hours by negotiation.

Nanny/PA

A nanny/PA fulfils all the duties of a nanny, usually to school-age children. But while those children are at school, she is also responsible for the administrative running of the household, such as making appointments, handling finances, booking holidays and dealing with tradesmen. The PA side of this role is by negotiation.

Governess / Tutor

A governess/tutor is a professional educator who works in a private household. She has all the pastoral and caring skills of a nanny but also a level of education that allows her to teach the children in her care. Often she has a TEFL qualification, allowing her to teach children whose first language is not English. Household duties are by negotiation. Governess/Tutor candidates often speak a second language or play a musical instrument to a high level.

Overseas and International Candidates

Overseas candidates work with households that have either relocated to the UK from overseas, or with households that travel a great deal outside the UK. It is therefore essential that, as well as the relevant professional qualifications and experience, they are flexible, easy-going, sensitive to other cultures and able to work well with other household staff from around the world.