For candidates
The Larchcombe course
Training for household staff, taught by people who have done the work, in the attic of the house on Tarrant Place.
The Larchcombe course is taught in the classroom on the top floor of Tarrant Place, which was once the attic, by Elspeth Tolley, Neil Fairbanks, Alison Kemble and Kathleen Strickland, and by visiting instructors for first aid and protective driving. It is free to every candidate on our register and to every member of staff we have placed. Lunch is provided, and is usually very good, because the chefs’ evenings are on Thursdays.
The modules
- Household management: budgets, staff, contractors, inventories and the household’s year.
- The butlers’ module: service, valeting, the cellar, silver, the door and the telephone.
- Housekeeping: fabrics and finishes: what may be cleaned with what, and what may not be cleaned at all.
- The nursery: childcare practice in private families, routines, travel and the day book.
- Companions: conversation, outings, noticing, and working alongside carers and families.
- The Residence Code: a half day on discretion and conduct, required before a first placement.
Dates
| Module | For | Length | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Companions | Companions for older clients | 2 days | |
| Housekeeping: fabrics and finishes | Housekeepers and laundresses | 2 days | |
| The nursery | Nannies and governesses | 2 days | |
| Household management | House managers and senior staff | 3 days | |
| Companions | Companions for older clients | 2 days | |
| The butlers’ module | Butlers, footmen and housemen | 3 days | |
| Housekeeping: fabrics and finishes | Housekeepers and laundresses | 2 days |
Recent sessions: Household management (September 2026); The butlers’ module (October 2026).
The Residence Code session runs on the first Tuesday of every month except January, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The next is on .
Booking a place
Ask your consultant, or email candidates@larchcombe.com with the module and dates. Places are limited to twelve.