Are you considering hiring a Nanny or Governess to care for your child or children, but unsure about the differences between the two roles? You’re not alone—many families face this common question when exploring childcare options. Some even look for candidates who can combine both roles. However, Nannies and Governesses have distinct responsibilities, cater to different age groups, and aim for unique outcomes. In this article, we’ll provide a concise comparison to help you decide which role is the best fit for your child and family.
While both Nannies and Governesses are committed to the well-being of your child, their roles differ in scope, purpose, and focus. Regardless of which option you choose, both ensure your child is safe, healthy, happy, and well-cared for in and outside the home.
Curious about male counterparts? ‘Manny’ and ‘Governor’ refer to male professionals who perform the same duties as Nannies and Governesses, respectively. These roles are increasingly popular with families raising boys, offering a tailored approach to their care and development.
Nanny versus governess?
A Nanny’s main responsibility is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the children under their care while managing nursery-related duties. They may also assist with light housekeeping tasks directly related to the children. In contrast, a Governess focuses primarily on the academic and personal development of the children. Acting as both an educator and mentor, a Governess does not handle domestic chores or care for infants or toddlers. Their role typically begins with school-aged children, generally starting at around 5 years old.
Why is a nanny best for my child?
Nannies offer dedicated, personalised care for children of all ages, stepping into roles traditionally held by parents to ensure a supportive and enriching environment. They cater to the physical, emotional, and social needs of children, fostering a nurturing atmosphere that encourages healthy development and growth. Beyond caregiving, nannies are instrumental in shaping behaviour, instilling good manners, and teaching respect, often mirroring the guidance provided by a governess.
What duties does a nanny perform?
The role of a Nanny is tailored to meet the unique needs of each family and may vary depending on whether additional household staff are present. Common responsibilities include ensuring the children’s safety and well-being, serving as a positive role model, preparing them for the day, transporting them to and from school, and managing light housekeeping tasks.
Beyond these core duties, a Nanny often takes on additional responsibilities such as organizing engaging activities and playdates, assisting with homework, coordinating appointments with professionals, preparing nutritious meals for the children, administering prescribed medication with parental approval, providing basic first aid when needed, and keeping parents informed about their children’s activities and progress.
The exact scope of a Nanny’s responsibilities is influenced by the children’s ages and the parents’ specific preferences. Collaboration with other caregivers or professionals may also be required to support the children’s overall well-being and development. Maintaining open, regular communication with the parents is essential to ensure alignment, address concerns, and meet any specific requests effectively.
Is a nanny qualification essential?
Parents hold the primary responsibility for selecting the right caregiver for their children. Qualified nannies, with certifications like NNEB or NVQ, provide parents with confidence in their professional training and ability to deliver high-quality care. On the other hand, experienced nannies without formal qualifications bring a wealth of practical knowledge, often gained through years of hands-on experience, and some are even parents themselves. Regardless of their background, it is essential that all nannies and childcare professionals possess a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate and pass a thorough Enhanced DBS check before beginning their role.
What are the benefits of hiring a governess?
When it comes to your child’s education, a governess can make a significant impact. With their degree education, they are equipped to support your child’s academic progress, boost their confidence, and challenge them intellectually. Additionally, governesses can assist in preparing children for exams and Common Entrance Tests, ensuring they have the best opportunities for prestigious independent schools. For families who travel frequently or value etiquette and proper behaviour, hiring a governess can be especially beneficial.
What are the responsibilities of a governess?
The responsibilities of a Governess can vary greatly depending on the specific needs and preferences of each family. However, a typical Governess is responsible for teaching a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Physical Education, and the Arts. They may also teach languages and musical instruments, either personally or by hiring specialised tutors.
In addition to teaching, a Governess provides support with homework and offers extra lessons to further enhance the child’s learning. They ensure that there are ample resources available for lessons, such as books, arts and crafts materials, and games. The Governess also maintains communication with the child’s school teachers and any specialist tutors who teach within the home.
A Governess goes beyond traditional classroom teaching by organising visits to museums and art galleries to broaden the child’s understanding of the world. They also accompany and participate in various sporting and extracurricular activities as required. Regular communication with parents regarding the child’s progress, behaviour, and overall well-being is an important aspect of the Governess’s role. Additionally, they may travel with the family and incorporate different locations into the learning process. Lastly, a Governess teaches good manners, instills behaviour and social etiquette skills, and serves as an exemplary role model for the child. Ensuring the child’s safety, health, happiness, and overall well-being is always a top priority.
Governess qualifications
Governesses do not possess formal qualifications, but they are expected to have a strong academic background. Most commonly, a Governess would have a Bachelor’s or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in any subject area, or even higher qualifications such as a Master’s or PhD. Additionally, many Governesses have also qualified as teachers, holding certifications like PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or B.Ed (Bachelor of Education). These qualifications are highly valued by families seeking a Governess, as they indicate expertise in educational areas: Early Years, Primary or Secondary.
One of the reasons why Governesses with formal (teaching) qualifications are highly sought after is their familiarity with school systems and curriculum. They have experience in lesson planning, delivering lessons, and assessing students’ progress. Moreover, they are skilled in maintaining accurate records of a child’s work and development. This knowledge and expertise make them well-equipped to provide educational support to children.
However, it is worth noting that some Governesses may enter the profession after working as Nannies for many years. In such cases, they may hold nationally recognised childcare qualifications like NNEB (National Nursery Examination Board) or NVQ (National Vocational Qualification). While these qualifications may not be as academically focused as a degree or teaching certification, they bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and prior experience and importantly, their dedication and commitment to working with children.
Looking to employ a Nanny or Governess?
At Bel-Rose International, we believe that each child deserves personalised attention and care. By taking the time to comprehensively understand your family’s dynamics and your child’s unique qualities, we are better equipped to make the right candidate selection. Our vast industry experience has honed our ability to find the perfect Nanny or Governess who will not only provide excellent care and educational support but will also establish a strong connection with your child. We firmly believe that a harmonious relationship between the child and the Nanny or Governess plays a crucial role in shaping the child’s future. By providing highly qualified professionals, including bilingual candidates, we strive to ensure that all your child’s needs and preferences are met.
Contact us today, for a free, no obligation consultation, where we can discuss how our services can be of assistance to you in finding the perfect Nanny or Governess for your child. We also provide placements for Qualified Teachers and degree-educated Tutors, along with other professional and domestic household staff, too. Further information can be found by visiting the client page.
If you are a nanny and interested in joining us, please go to our candidate page to learn more.
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