"Parents residing in the northern part of London is looking for an exceptional and qualified tutor to support their smallest child on his early path to becoming an British gentleman."
Looking at this post, you might readily overlook the phrase "first-steps" as simple a turn of phrase.
However, it may be the crucial part of this unique position posting, as it aims to hire a tutor for a one-year-old.
Hundreds of applications have since been submitted since the unnamed family published their request for the highly paid tutor, who has to be "an exceptional individual".
In recent few weeks, the post has attracted interest throughout the press, with many questioning why?
Forward-Thinking Method
Adam Caller, head and founder of an education consultancy, which is helping the family in their search, stated that despite early doubt, he considered the plan "visionary", and "advanced".
When he met the family, he said they understood the unconventional nature of their requirement, and how early in age their son is.
But, they stated that they "didn't want to wait any longer" to get a tutor, as they had waited until their older child was five, and by that point "cultural conditioning had already taken hold".
What precisely does the family indicate by "cultural predisposition"?
It's "comprehensive", the expert answered. "The way you eat, the manner you speak".
He said the elder child had adopted "very nuanced, body language" from the family, and had adopted their cultural norms. The family informed the consultant they hoped to prevent history to recur with their infant.
The strategy: To engage a UK tutor, who needs to speak with RP, to guide the baby from the very start.
Natural Absorption
"Much of the learning at the start here is kind of acquired indirectly," stated the CEO.
It's through this natural absorption that the family are hoping the child will pick up the English characteristics they wish to instil.
Adam noted the tutor must be an individual who went to "the right kinds of schools – similar types of schools as the family plan to send their son to".
"The tutor just has to be the right kind of person, they'll be doing things they aren't even aware they're doing, effortlessly," he commented.
Cost Not Relevant
The family informed Adam the selected educator should preferably also have understanding of or passion in equestrian activities, alpine skiing, the arts and instrumental training so as to shape the child in a diverse set of hobbies.
Furthermore though, he stated the family wanted the tutor to sign up the child on a selection of lessons so the child would be "equestrian training and learning an tool by the time they are approximately three years old".
In the family's view, assisting their son grow into a "English gentleman" will bring about accomplishment and provide access.
"Taking into account the rights and wrongs of that, because it's undoubtedly a social class indicator," he comments.
However, despite all this guidance in "UK identity", would the child absorb so-called cultural influence from the multicultural family he lives with anyway?
"Absolutely", answered Adam. "The family understand this may not work, but they've simply adopted the view of, 'we should try and let's go as soon as we can', because the cost of it is not relevant," he explained.
Impractical
Several in the private teaching field who have similar doubts.
An education leader, chief executive of a tutoring service, who also offer individual instructors, stated that "the process of embracing two identities, or indeed, discovering oneself, is something that must be grown into, not designed."
Peter wrote that he had emigrated from Asia to the UK at the age of childhood, and had been raised understanding and practicing both cultures. He progressed to learn at Cambridge University.
"The idea that one individual can function as a embodiment of English culture, an individual who can somehow impart the characteristics of a UK sophisticate to a one-year-old child, appears optimistic and unrealistic," he stated.
"Based on my background, employing a distinctly British tutor from infancy will does not automatically create the result they desire.
"I wasn't provided with such a tutor, and nevertheless I have been lucky enough to enjoy several of the experiences they aspire for their son."
He continued: "The truth is, self-identity can not be dictated from the outside influences; it must be chosen, and it must be internally driven."
Acquiring Englishness
Of course, UK identity is something Adam believes can be educated – and sold.
"I believe the fact that the world regards us in this respect is something that we should be cherishing|valuing|appreciating
