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6-Day Housekeeping Course

Monday 3rd - Saturday 8th September 2012

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PRIVATE HOUSEHOLD: HOW TO BECOME THE MODERN MRS BEETON - SIX DAY TASTER TRAINING PROGRAMME

The programme is directed at those who wish to perfect their housekeeping and management skills for a career as a private housekeeper, yacht steward, chalet girl or cook in a luxury household environment. It will also suit those who may require refresher training or additional savoir-faire.

This course includes practical interactive exercises in a real household environment.

Day One (early evening start)

  1. Afternoon tea, welcome, course outline and timetable

  2. The role of the housekeeper - why we are here and getting the most out of your training

  3. Definitions - the housekeeper, housecleaning, deep-cleaning, household management & the golden rules

  4. Coaching and mentor session

Day Two

  1. First impressions, colour and image presentation

  2. Setting the scene - the private household, the family and the children

  3. Your role within the household - what is expected, boundaries and crossing the line

  4. Communication etiquette

  5. Body language and interaction with peers, staff and guests

  6. Greeting and introductions

  7. Forms of address

  8. Non-verbal interpretation

  9. Accepting tips and gifts

  10. Mobile phones, email and IT issues and telephone manners

  11. Facebook and social networking

  12. Leisure activities, time off and drinking off-duty

  13. How to answer the door

  14. Uniform, understanding dress codes and how to tie a bow-tie

  15. Setting the scene - the housekeeper's eye for household standards

  16. The White Board, The Red Book and Daily Graces

Day Three

  1. Hygiene issues & sanitation

  2. Household safety

  3. Basic First Aid

  4. Room detailing: general and living areas

  5. Tools of the trade: the housekeeper's trug, hardware and products

  6. Techniques - from basic principles to 'kill or cure'

  7. Washing machines, dishwashers, fridges and Agas

  8. Room detailing: bedroom & bathroom areas

  9. Bed making, folding towels & loo seat etiquette

  10. Laundry skills: symbols, instructions, getting to know your washing machine

  11. Stains and fabrics, the emergency tool box and urgent repairs

  12. Lighting

  13. Flooring

  14. Curtains

  15. Managing a household budget

  16. Daily graces review and evening turndown

Day Four

  1. Laundry II: starching, ironing, steaming and folding; ironing tablecloths and folding for storage

  2. Linen inventories and the linen cupboard

  3. Wardrobe and garment care

  4. Packing and valeting skills: understanding how clothes are made, learning how to correct build a closet

  5. Care and storage of jewellery

  6. Basic Butler skills: laying fire, breakfast, coffee and tea trays

  7. Making tea and coffee

  8. Fresh fruit and room detailing

  9. Guest room detailing

  10. External visit with our English furniture and fine art experts

  11. Care of antiques

  12. Periods and styles

  13. Pictures, gilding, moving and storage

Day Five

  1. Room detailing practical tests

  2. Inventories and management

  3. Rolling programme and indoor/outdoor maintenance & gardening

  4. Preparing rooms for redecoration

  5. Security and driving

  6. Running errands

  7. Making the most of suppliers, ordering supplies and interaction

  8. Kitchen detailing and how to cope with an Aga

  9. Basic cooking skills - the housekeeper's repertoire

  10. Family breakfast & supper, and cooking for kids

  11. Meal planning and budgets

  12. Food and wine pairing

  13. Setting the scene - the dining table

  14. The care of china, silverware and glass

  15. Layout, place settings, napkins, flowers, candles, decorations and lighting

  16. Menu cards

  17. Event planning and choosing suppliers

  18. Understanding service

  19. Rules for dining

  20. Etiquette and good manners

  21. Formal dinner

  22. Clearing away, daily graces, and evening turndown

Day Six

  1. Sticky wickets, room detailing practical tests and evaluations

  2. First impressions review and conclusions

  3. Coaching and mentor review

  4. Interview techniques

  5. Employee relations

  6. How to make the most of your training & future jobs

  7. Graduation, policies and procedures

Monday evening to Saturday afternoon | £1,195 inclusive of course textbook, refreshments and lunch each day and all external outings and visit entrance fees. (Fees are based on a minimum number of attendees)

Please see our Terms & Conditions page for information about payment.

Charles MacPherson Academy, Toronto

Students who complete the 6-day housekeeping course at The Household Academy qualify for a two week credit on the Charles MacPherson Academy 8 week Diploma course in Canada. Further information.

Student Placement

Following the training, we are able to help successful students find a work placement where they can use their new skills. Further information.