Governess and Nanny

Governess & Nanny

Introduction to the role

There's something special about being trusted with a family's most precious member during his most formative months. A family in Ikoyi, Lagos is looking for a warm, experienced Governess/Nanny to care for their six-month-old son. This is a role rooted in gentle, Montessori-informed care that grows alongside a baby who's already crawling and beginning to take his first steps.

Who are we looking for?

• You are an experienced infant caregiver with at least three years of hands-on care for babies under one.
• You are fluent in English and communicate clearly and warmly, both with the baby and with the parents.
• You are formally trained in childcare, nursery care, or early childhood development.
• You have worked in a nursery, crèche, or kindergarten setting.
• You are patient, reliable, and comfortable working closely within a family's home and routines.
• You come with two verifiable references, ideally from long-term positions.
• You are a female caregiver (the family's stated preference for this role); there is no tribal or religious preference.
• You are, ideally, familiar with Montessori principles, and even better if you have infant Montessori training or experience.
• You are, ideally, certified in first aid and infant CPR.
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Your Responsibilities...

• You will handle feeding, changing, dressing, and gently comforting the baby during crying, teething, or unsettled periods.
• You will follow the parents' instructions for feeds and food preparation.
• You will observe before stepping in, speak respectfully to the baby, and give him time to respond to care routines.
• You will maintain a calm, orderly play space with a small selection of safe, age-appropriate materials, allowing focused exploration while staying attentive and available.
• You will provide safe, child-led opportunities for crawling, exploration, balance, and early steps — adjusting activities as his mobility and confidence grow.
• Language and Sensory Development
• You will offer safe toys with varied textures and sounds, keeping all activities screen-free and paced to his interest and energy.
• You will follow agreed nap routines and safe sleep practices.
• You will recognise concerns early, act promptly in emergencies, and keep parents informed.
• You will give daily updates on feeding, sleep, nappies, mood, and new skills.
• You will keep the baby's clothes, feeding equipment, and nursery tidy and well organised.
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What Success looks like…

• The baby feels secure, content, and gently supported in exploring and developing at his own pace.
• Daily routines (feeding, sleep, hygiene) run consistently and are clearly communicated to parents every day.
• Safe sleep and safety practices are followed without exception.
• The nursery and care areas remain consistently tidy and well organised.
• The family experiences clear, proactive communication with no gaps in updates on milestones or concerns.
• The caregiver commits to the role for 18–24 months, giving a minimum six-week notice if leaving.

To be considered for this role you should have…

• At least three years of hands-on experience caring for babies under one year.
• Fluency in English.
• Formal childcare, nursery, or early childhood development training.
• Experience working in a nursery, crèche, or kindergarten.
• Two verifiable references from previous employers, ideally from long-term positions.

Challenges you may face in this role

• Adapting quickly to a baby's rapidly changing mobility and needs as he moves from crawling to walking.
• Balancing structured Montessori-style guidance with a baby's own pace and cues, rather than directing too much.
• Managing the close, live-in or near-daily proximity of working within a family's home.
• Staying alert and prepared for unsettled periods (teething, crying, disrupted sleep) that require patience and calm.

The Goodies…

• Competitive monthly compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• BQ accommodation available for live-in caregivers.
• Sundays off, with a predictable six-day working schedule.
• The opportunity to be part of a warm, Montessori-informed approach to raising a young child.