Some things to check out before hiring an au pair

How will the au pair get around?

The au pair you hire will generally expect to be able to get to the nearest town centre easily and independently. We think that the local bus or train service needs to be at least hourly during the week with some evening and Sunday service. Bearing in mind that it is rare for au pairs to express a preference for a rural placement, be ready to subsidise journeys if they are more expensive than elsewhere. We think it is fair that the au pair should only have to spend what she/he would if placed in the suburbs of the nearest town.

Providing a car for the au pair is an option, but not without it's drawbacks.

English lessons

Virtually all au pairs will want to attend English lessons. A couple of hours 2-3 times a week is usually adequate. If this turns out not to be possible (and reasonably convenient) the post isn't suitable.

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Surprisingly, in some areas the low-cost courses are for daily attendance (it could even be that such a course is the only one available). If it is at all possible to fit such a course around the au pair's duties this is likely to be highly motivating for the au pair and benefit all concerned.

It's important to find out when the au pair you hire will be able to start lessons. Attending language school can make all the difference during the settling in period. If possible adjust the start date accordingly.

Your nearest college of further education might be a good place to start your enquiries.

We offer discounts in certain areas particularly sought-after by au pairs: Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Nottingham.

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