Governesses

A Governess is an educated individual in charge of managing a family's children and their nurturing. A Governess's normal function is as a teacher and she is not usually concerned with domestic work or the physical care of younger children. A Governess generally takes charge of the children’s social etiquette and manners. If the children are home-schooled the Governess may be responsible for getting them organised and taking them to and from their lessons. She may also be in charge of their social diaries including educational trips, putting them to bed, and any other typical job of a parent.

A Governess will arrange play dates and other activities, keep the bedrooms and wardrobes in order and prepare the children's meals, all in the context of an educational, comfortable and safe environment. A Governess will often be required to accompany the family on trips, and in some circumstances will travel alone with the children ensuring their safety at all times. Occasionally a Nanny will also be employed to work alongside a Governess.

Unlike a Nanny, a Governess should have formal education which can be either to college or university level. The diploma or degree held can be in early childhood education, or it could be a teaching certificate from an established and recognised institution. The Governess will normally have previous childcare experience and will show an earnest interest in working with children.

A Governess is traditionally employed by families on a full-time basis, but can be employed part-time depending on the ages of the children and the family requirements. The hours a Governess will work are determined by the demands of the position, but will generally be eight to ten hours a day, five days a week. A Governess may live in or live out.

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