HOUSEKEEPING TRAINING COURSES
The Butler Valet School is pleased to announce the launch of our exclusive Housekeeping courses, starting in January 2021.The programme offers the very highest level of training to any Royal Palace standard. There is no other course equivalent throughout the world.
LOCATIONS.
The courses will be held at either Ditchley Park in Oxfordshire, or in situ at designated private homes throughout London, or to another address of your choosing. It’s completely up to you.
Ditchley Park is one of the UK’s finest houses, having a rich history as an idyllic retreat for royalty and power since the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st, it was also the summer retreat of Sir Winston Churchill. A number of episodes of Downton Abbey were filmed here and you will have access to most of the house in order to complete your training. See the pictures above and at the bottom of the page.
DATES.
You pick the dates you want and let us know and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.
THE COURSES.
We will be running a 2-day and 1-day Express course. If you have little or no previous experience we suggest taking the 2-day.
You will learn everything you could possibly need to know from our team of highly experienced trainers. The course will be very much a hands-on experience and you will have plenty of opportunities to practice your new-found skills, including role-playing and practical studies.
If the course is taken at Ditchley Park we can offer you something unique. You’ll have access to Drawing Rooms and Bedrooms with high-quality work surfaces: Marble, High French polished wood, Gold leaf, Japanese and Chinese lacquered furniture, Chandeliers, French silk lampshades, precious art, paintings, bronze sculptures, porcelain and silver items and many more.
Upon completion of the course (either at Ditchley or in another location of your choosing) you will be able to apply for roles in the world’s most respected homes. You will also qualify for the prestigious Butler-Valet School Housekeeping certificate, which is recognised globally. This will be personally signed by Mr Rick Fink.
We also have our very own Domestic Agency where we can put you in touch with Private Houses and organisations in our extensive network. We will also be happy to write a reference for you.
COURSE DETAILS.
The day/s will begin at 9.30am until 4.30pm with an hour for lunch.
Everything will be provided, including a notebook and a Butler-Valet School Apron.
Dress code is casual (as you will be cleaning occasionally).
Luncheon, tea, coffee, soft drinks will be provided.
Course certificate signed by Mr Rick Fink on completion of the course.
For the 2-day course at Ditchley Park, accommodation with breakfast is included in the price, in a Guest House nearby in Witney, Oxfordshire. Transport will be provided to take you to Ditchley Park and return to Hanborough train station if required.
The list below gives a brief overview of a selection of modules on offer.
Housekeeping tools
Housekeeping techniques
Special surface care
Special stain care
Care of Fine Art
Care of Antiques
Turndown Service
Laundry
Care of delicate garments: Ironing, Pressing, Steaming, Folding
Mending of Clothes
Shoe Care, Maintenance and Storage
Shoe Polishing
Handbag Care, Maintenance and Storage
Valet
Wardrobe Management
Dry Cleaning
Packing and unpacking
Finishing touches
Flower Arranging
Window Care
Pet Care
Basic Table setting
FEES.
1 Day Express Course:
At Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire.
One day training for Housekeeper ……………………………………£1,000.
One day training for Housekeeper and 2 Maids (Domestics)………….£2,200.
Any more staff will be added pro rata
Residential training in situ.
One day training for Housekeeper ………………………...................£900.
One Day training for Housekeeper and 2 Maids (Domestics)…....…...£2,100.
One day Housekeeper up to 8 Domestic……………………………..£5,700.
2 Day. Full Course.
At Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire.
Two day training for Housekeeper ………………………...................£1,800.
Two day training for Housekeeper and 4 Maids (Domestics)…....……£4,400.
Any more staff will be added pro rata.
Price includes one-night accommodation separate rooms/with ensuite plus breakfast at the Guest House, and Luncheon at Ditchley Park, plus transport to train station afterwards, if needed.
Residential training in situ.
Two day training for Housekeeper ………………………....................£1,600.
Two day training for Housekeeper and 4 Maids (Domestics)…....…….£4,200.
Or call Rick Fink for more details about the course: 01993 881 087.
CANCELLATION POLICY.
Full refunds for cancellation up to 14 days in advance. Full refund for cancellation due to Governments Covid-19 rules. If you can’t attend because you have tested positive for Covid, a test certificate needs to be supplied.
