Childcare · 28 May 2026
Nanny or Governess: Which Does Your Family Need?
Families often use the words nanny and governess interchangeably, but they describe two distinct roles. Choosing correctly ensures your child gets exactly the support they need.
The nanny
A nanny focuses on care and daily wellbeing: routines, meals, play, safety and emotional support. Nannies are wonderful from the newborn stage through early childhood, and many stay with families for years.
The governess
A governess focuses on education and development. Typically engaged for school-age children, a governess oversees learning, languages, etiquette and enrichment — often coordinating with tutors and schools. Many are multilingual and hold teaching qualifications.
How to decide
- Age of the child — newborns and toddlers need a nanny; school-age children may benefit from a governess.
- Your priorities — practical daily care, or structured education and languages?
- Household scale — larger households sometimes employ both, working as a team.
A blended option
Some professionals work as a nanny–governess, combining nurturing care with educational structure. For families in transition — say, a child starting school — this can be the ideal bridge.
Whichever you choose, the fundamentals are the same: rigorous vetting, verified references and a genuine fit with your family’s values.
Tell us which fits your household, and we’ll shortlist candidates who match. See how we work.