Live-in Governess / Early Years Tutor
Location: London, UK
Job Type: Full-time, Live-in
Salary: £3,500 per month
Schedule: Based around the child's daily routine, including some weekends and school holidays
Accommodation: Live-in accommodation provided
About the Role
We are seeking a professional, responsible and experienced Live-in Governess / Early Years Tutor to support the development and daily routine of a 3-year-old child within a private family in London.
This is a long-term, education-focused position rather than a traditional housekeeping role. The primary focus is to support the child's early learning, language development, behaviour, routines, independence and overall development through structured and age-appropriate activities.
The ideal candidate will be warm and patient while also confident in establishing appropriate boundaries and routines. We are looking for someone who can take initiative, plan independently and provide consistent educational guidance.
Key ResponsibilitiesEarly Learning & Development
- Plan and deliver age-appropriate educational activities based on the child's developmental stage.
- Support early literacy, numeracy, language and communication development through play-based learning.
- Encourage curiosity, concentration, independence and positive learning habits.
- Introduce structured reading, creative activities, educational games and other development-focused activities.
- Monitor progress and regularly provide parents with clear updates and recommendations.
Routine & Behaviour Guidance
- Establish and maintain consistent daily routines, including sleep, meals, activities and screen time.
- Support the development of positive behaviour, manners and age-appropriate boundaries.
- Respond calmly and consistently to challenging behaviour or emotional situations.
- Encourage independence and help the child develop confidence and self-regulation.
- Maintain an appropriate balance between warmth, encouragement and clear boundaries.
Daily Routine & Activities
- Support the child's morning and evening routines.
- Assist with nursery/school drop-offs and pick-ups where required.
- Plan a balanced schedule incorporating learning, physical activity, creative play, outdoor activities and rest.
- Support extracurricular interests and developmental activities.
- Organise age-appropriate weekend and holiday activities, including reading, cultural activities, outdoor experiences and social opportunities.
Educational & Activity Planning
- Research and recommend suitable classes, activities and educational resources.
- Coordinate with nurseries, schools, tutors or activity providers where appropriate.
- Maintain learning materials and records.
- Prepare weekly activity and development plans.
- Identify areas where additional support or development opportunities may be beneficial.
Child-Related Personal Assistance
While the child is attending nursery or school, the role will include a limited range of child-related administrative responsibilities, such as:
- Organising learning materials and activity schedules.
- Researching classes, activities and educational resources.
- Managing child-related appointments and schedules.
- Supporting necessary child-related purchases with prior approval.
- Completing limited administrative or coordination tasks connected with the child's routine.
The position does not involve general household management or unrelated domestic responsibilities.
Family Communication
- Provide regular and constructive updates to parents regarding the child's learning, behaviour and general wellbeing.
- Communicate professionally with schools, nurseries, tutors and activity providers where required.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and complete discretion regarding private family matters.
- Handle all family and child-related information confidentially.
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience; Education, Early Childhood Education, English, Psychology or related backgrounds are advantageous.
- Previous professional experience working with young children in a tutoring, governess, early-years education, childcare or similar capacity.
- Strong understanding of age-appropriate learning and child development.
- Ability to create structured educational and developmental activities independently.
- Confident establishing routines and appropriate behavioural boundaries.
- Patient, emotionally mature and consistent in approach.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Fluent or highly proficient English.
- Comfortable working in a full-time live-in position.
- Legal right to work in the UK.
- Non-smoker while working and able to maintain a professional environment around the child.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience as a Governess, Private Tutor, Early Years Educator or within a private household.
- International school, nursery or bilingual education experience.
- Early Childhood Education, Education or Child Psychology background.
- Additional language skills, particularly French or Spanish.
- Experience supporting multilingual children.
- Music, art, sport or other skills that can contribute to the child's development.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
The Ideal Candidate
We are particularly interested in someone who:
- Can educate and guide rather than simply supervise.
- Understands how to establish appropriate boundaries with young children.
- Is warm and approachable without becoming overly permissive.
- Can independently organise the child's routine without requiring constant instructions.
- Notices potential issues and proactively proposes solutions.
- Demonstrates discretion, good judgement and respect for professional boundaries.
- Is looking for a stable, long-term position with a private family.
Working Arrangement
This is a full-time, live-in position and working hours will be structured around the child's routine.
Weekend and holiday support will form part of the role, with rest days arranged according to the agreed working schedule.
The position provides 52 scheduled rest days per year. Statutory holiday entitlement and working arrangements will be provided in accordance with applicable UK employment requirements and the employment contract.
Salary
£3,500 per month
Final employment terms, working schedule, accommodation arrangements and other benefits will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.
Application
Please submit your CV outlining your relevant childcare, tutoring, education or private household experience.
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide:
- Relevant professional references
- Proof of right to work in the UK
- Appropriate background checks / DBS documentation
- Relevant childcare, education or First Aid qualifications where applicable
Pay: £3,500.00 per month
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
