Job Description
Job Title: Governess (Live-Out)
Location: Kensington, London
Employer: Private Household
Child: 1 small daughter
Hours: Monday–Friday, approx.15:30–19:00
Start Date: As soon as possible
Role Summary
We are a private family based in Kensington seeking an experienced, warm and educated
live-out Governess to support the development of our 3.5-year-old daughter.
The focus of the role is on early years education, language development, manners and
social skills, as well as creating a calm, nurturing and stimulating environment. The
Governess will plan and oversee appropriate educational activities, help prepare her for
nursery/pre-prep, and work closely with the parents to ensure consistency in routine and
expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Early Years Education & Development
Plan and deliver appropriate educational activities (early literacy, numeracy,
phonics, storytelling, music, arts and crafts, sensory play, etc.).
Support language development, vocabulary building and early reading skills
through daily conversation and structured activities.
Introduce appropriate concepts (colours, shapes, numbers, days of the week,
seasons, basic geography, etc.) in a fun and engaging way.
Encourage independence, curiosity, creativity and a love of learning.
Help prepare her for nursery / pre-prep,
Daily Routine & Structure
Establish and maintain a consistent daily routine, including educational time,
outdoor play, meals and wind-down/bedtime.
Plan and accompany her to local activities (parks, playgroups, classes, museums,
libraries in Kensington and surrounding areas) with parental approval.
Coordinate with parents regarding meals, naps, activities and evening schedule.
Manners, Behaviour & Social Skills
Encourage good manners, kindness, sharing and respectful behaviour in line with
family values.
Support her social development with peers (playdates, group activities) and
appropriate interaction with adults.
Provide gentle, consistent guidance on behaviour and boundaries, always in
agreement with the parents.
Communication & Coordination
Maintain open, regular communication with the parents on progress, activities,
routines and any concerns.
Provide brief updates or a simple daily/weekly summary of key activities and
developmental milestones.
Work collaboratively with any other household staff as needed.
Practical / Light Duties Related to the Child
Organise and maintain the child’s books, toys and educational materials in an
orderly way.
Prepare or arrange simple, healthy snacks and light meals for the child when
required.
Pack/prepare items needed for outings, activities and nursery.
Requirements
Proven experience as a Governess, Nanny-Governess, Teacher or Early Years
Tutor working with young children (around 3–5 years).
Strong early years education background: a degree or qualification in Education /
Early Childhood Studies is highly desirable.
Excellent spoken English: an additional language (e.g. French/Spanish) would
be a plus but not essential.
Familiarity with EYFS and/or UK independent nursery/pre-prep expectations is an
advantage.
Live-out and within easy commuting distance of Kensington.
Comfortable working regular afternoon and evening hours.
Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain) and excellent checkable
references from previous families.
Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain).
Personal Attributes
Warm, caring and patient, with a genuine love of working with young children.
Calm, discreet and professional, able to fit naturally into a private family environment.
Highly organised and reliable, with good time management.
Creative, energetic and proactive in planning activities and outings.
Flexible and trustworthy, particularly around evening routines and bedtime.
Well-presented, well-spoken and able to act as a positive role model.