Professional, Qualified Nannies, Governesses and Tutors are currently in very high demand, and as a well established and professional nanny recruitment agency that have placed dozens of nannies and tutors with families worldwide, we believe that we have the skills and experience to meet the needs and expectations of families the world over.

British Nannies and Tutors or Governesses are viewed by many families worldwide to be the best available, given their professional training, previous experience and of course English language skills. The perception is also increased by the ‘Mary Poppins’ image and also more recently, television programmes such as ‘The SuperNanny’ aka Jo Frost, so you could certainly have a lot to live up to, and in the case of some families, they will expect you to have similar skills and be able to transform ‘terrible Tommy’ into ‘terrific Tommy’ within a week!  The reality is obviously different from the reality programme, but this explains why some families have such high expectations of their nanny.

Many nannies are recruited because they are trained in childcare, are able to teach manners and etiquette, have good vocabulary, spelling and English language. Many families will also require the nanny to have knowledge of Early Years Education and be able to assist with homework and language development. Some families will insist that the nanny dresses fairly formally whilst at work, whilst others take a more informal approach.

The important thing to remember is that not all British professional Nannies follow this stereotype, and neither do all families want such a formal situation, although many do.

As a Nanny, Governess or Tutor looking for an overseas role we would strongly recommend that you spend a considerable amount of time deciding on the type of family you are actually looking for at the beginning of the process.  Some of the questions below will assist, but broadly speaking – would you prefer younger or older children? In some cases older children can be easier, but many nannies prefer babies. With school age children there may be time off during the day, but if you don’t know people it can soon lose its appeal. Do you really want to work for a VIP family – and if so, are you ready for all that this can mean such as very flexible hours (flexible to suit the family, not you!), security issues, frequent travel, waiting in airports, very long hours, and occasionally being undermined by the family who will not tell the child off if they only have a short time with them….many nannies feel undermined by this. There may also be many other household staff to work alongside, including local nannies in many cases.  In the Middle East it is not uncommon for a family to have one English speaking and one local nanny per child or family. In many cases there is no real relationship with the parents except an employer/employee one, and little time off. Suddenly it doesn’t seem so glamorous! But there are the upsides too, and many nannies love the lifestyle – we are just trying to point out the realities.

What is motivating you to work overseas? If it is the opportunity to earn and save quickly, probably the Middle East and Moscow are the best locations, if it is to experience a more relaxed lifestyle, maybe Bermuda or the Caribbean.  Asia is a great option, but the rates tend to be relatively low. If it is to be away from home, but within fairly easy travelling time, maybe Europe is the best bet. Call us to discuss the current vacancies (click here) and possible opportunities available for the type of role you are looking for.

There are a great many questions to be answered, especially when you are working so far from home. We have many candidates who will only work outside the UK, and have done for many years, but others who may be giving up accommodation, jobs, and leaving family to take up a role overseas, so it is important that it works from your point of view as well as the family’s point of view.

As a professional nanny agency, the more information we have, the better. The more precise details we have with regards to your preferred weekly working days and hours, duties, your hourly/weekly salary expectation, the length of time you want to stay with a family, whether you are more of a teacher, or more of a nanny, whether you would like to travel, drive the children, liaise with schools, swim, work weekends etc. then the more chance we have of finding the most suitable family first time – and that is the aim in all cases!

Families will usually conduct telephone interviews first, followed by interviews in London or their home. Generally they will expect you to travel to London for interviews (especially if they have travelled from Moscow/Dubai/USA etc.) and nearly all families will have come to a UK based agency in the belief that our candidates are based here. Less than 2% of the families we have dealt with have been happy to conduct interviews by Skype/MSN – it is just too personal a process and generally they need to see interaction with children etc.

Most jobs start with a month or 3 month trial/probationary period. We would ask that you (and the family) give the process time, as the first few weeks are generally the most difficult ones – e.g. you need to gain the trust and respect of the family, and the child, but can not just give in to each of the child’s wishes … so you are bound to be unpopular in some respects! This is an age-old problem and just takes time to settle. When you arrive overseas – wherever it is – most things are different. Certainly the climate, the money, the electricity, the customs and beliefs, the religion, the type of home and comforts, and probably the driving, bread, water etc. etc. will take time to adjust to.

Some of the VIP and high profile families will probably not even meet with you for a few days. You will be met at the airport by a driver and taken to the family home where the PA/House Manager will show you to your room. No big welcome, and you might feel deflated after a long journey… but this is normal.  It takes a lot of patience and understanding to adapt.

Having said all of that, the vast majority of placements run very smoothly, and many nannies stay well beyond the initial contract.  For further information, please either register online by clicking here, or call us on 00 44 207 8087042
 
If this information has been useful please follow the appropriate link below to register online and we will be in touch very shortly afterwards:

Simply Angelic, 1 Warwick Row, London SW1E 5ER
Tel: 0207 808 7042

UK based Childcare recruitment agency with offices in London and the North placing quality Nannies and Domestic Staff with families in London, the UK and Overseas