Choosing an au pair can seem like a very daunting task, especially to first-time host families.\u00a0 There is a wealth of information online about the important points to think about when hiring an au pair, which although helpful, can also be rather daunting.<\/p>\n
In this article we will attempt to condense this information and make it easier for you to make this important decision.<\/p>\n
Talk to Other Host Families<\/strong> The easiest (and usually most practical) way to connect with other host families is via the internet.\u00a0 There are many forums online that one can join in order to ask questions and network with other families who have been in the same position as you.<\/p>\n Au Pair Agencies<\/strong> Consider Your Needs<\/strong> Another thing to consider is whether or not the au pair can drive.\u00a0 If the au pair will be required to do school runs and other trips, you will want to ensure that the au pair you choose is able to drive. Remember, it is the responsibility of the host family to make sure the au pair is insured to drive the family car, and to provide the fuel for work-related trips.<\/p>\n Get to Know Them<\/strong> Choosing an au pair can seem like a very daunting task, especially to first-time host families.슠 There is a wealth of information online about the important points to think about when hiring an au pair, which although helpful, can also be rather daunting. In this article we will attempt to condense this information and make … Continue reading “How to Choose an Au Pair”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[38,102,228],"class_list":["post-278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-au-pairs","tag-au-pair","tag-choosing-an-ay-pair","tag-how-to-hire-an-au-pair"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/278","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=278"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/278\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=278"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=278"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nannyjob.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=278"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nThis should be your first port of call when starting the process of looking for a suitable au pair for your family.\u00a0 There is no substitute for hearing the experiences of somebody who has been there.\u00a0 Many host families would have hired several au pairs over the years, and as a result will likely have lots of nuggets of wisdom and tips to share with you.<\/p>\n
\nThere are hundreds of au pair agencies advertised and just choosing one can be a daunting task alone.\u00a0 The first point covered \u2013 talking to other host families \u2013 will be your best bet for finding an au pair agency with a good reputation.\u00a0 Word of mouth is one of the most reliable measures of great service, after all.\u00a0 UK host families can also make use of the au pair agency directory at the British Au Pair Agency Association (BAPAA) to help them choose a reputable agency.<\/p>\n
\nWhen choosing an au pair, you\u2019ll need to think about what would make the most compatible match for you and your children.\u00a0 Everybody\u2019s needs are different, and au pair agencies can help find a suitable match, but you will need to have a clear idea in mind of what you are looking for.\u00a0 Remember, au pairs are not permitted to have sole charge of children under the age of two, and some might have very limited childcare experience.\u00a0 The level of childcare you require should be take into consideration when \u2018vetting\u2019 au pairs for their suitability \u2013 for example, the age of your children and how independent they are (ie how much actual \u2018care\u2019 will be required, rather than mostly supervision).<\/p>\n
\nEmailing, talking on the phone and using Skype are all great ways to spend some time getting to know your prospective au pair before you take the plunge and send them a written offer to consider.\u00a0 Choosing an au pair is a big decision \u2013 as is choosing a host family \u2013 so get to know each other as much as you can.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"