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Original poster

Would an au pair do this job?

39 replies

Waveney · 24/06/2015 18:07

Our nanny is going on maternity leave and we are thinking of using an au pair while she is away (starting just before the nanny goes). We need someone to pick up the toddler from playgroup and look after him all afternoon (6 hrs a day four days a week, plus the occasional extra afternoon), and also do after school for our older child from 3-5.30. We don't really need housework doing (although a bit would be appreciated!) and we won't need her at weekends. So in total between 25-30 hours childcare a week. Ideally someone with some previous childcare experience.

Does this sound like something an au pair would do? It would work well for us but is it too many hours? We could offer a competitive salary and use of a car, niceish room and so on. Any thoughts or tips gratefully received! Thank you.

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worridmum · 24/06/2015 20:53

but thats not what a Au pair is ment to be about when will they have time to do their english course its meant to be an cultrual exchange not a means for cheap labour / full time job for penuts and board.........

and Nameeman thats just explotive full time hours for far less then minium wage ...... I just wish the government would acutlly in force the rules about Au pairing as I have seen adverts for Au pairs for 60 hour a week including babysitting for £130 its totally wrong and totally agaisnt the spirt of Au pairing as all these latest things leave no time for a Au pair to do a english course / cultural course (these normally only run during the week....)

Nameeman · 24/06/2015 20:30

On the day our AP has the toddler there is plenty of structure. Any child loving 19 year old is more than capable of amusing a two year old. Her day usually goes:

8.30am walk older two to school with toddler in buggy
9am stop in park on way home and play on swings
10am home to play with trains or play dough
11am rhyme time at library
12:15 home for lunch
1-3pm nap
3pm walk to collect older two with toddler in buggy
3.30-5.30pm all three kids play something fun with AP (usually painting or baking or play dough or park).

Seriously, looking after a toddler just requires someone who has fun with young kids and is aware and resonsible. All our APs have fit that bill. As an AP employer you probably have to be a bit more directive than with a nanny, I chose the Rhyme Time etc, but as long as you find someone you trust I don't see the problem.

superram · 24/06/2015 20:29

An au pair plus would. A bit more expensive and you may have to drop any cleaning but I have a friend whose au pair does this.

superram · 24/06/2015 20:23

An au pair plus would. A bit more expensive and you may have to drop any cleaning but I have a friend whose au pair does this.

electionfatigue · 24/06/2015 20:23

How old is the toddler? some people use that term for a child aged two and a half, which is very different from 18 months!

Karoleann · 24/06/2015 20:12

I wouldn't have left any of our au pairs with a toddler for 6 hours a day either. - and they've all been older.
You just need a temp nanny.

Radiatorvalves · 24/06/2015 18:34

Most APs don't have a lot of experience, beyond a bit of babysitting. As lovely as some of our APs were, they were not able to spend 6 hours with a toddler - they didn't have the experience. If you were in and around the house, that might be different.

QuinoaLenghi · 24/06/2015 18:32

It would be fine for an AP. Despite the dim views taken of APs on here they are a varied and capable bunch.

Our AP does 28 hours mainly before and after school but one full day with out toddler and despite being only 19 she is fab, as was her predessor who looked after our baby (shock-horror!). They were both v happy with their jobs and they were/are great additions to our families.

As long as you are totally clear about expectations from the start you will be fine. Have a look on AP World as there are all sorts on there including qualified teachers and psychologists: the pull to learn english is huge. I personally prefer a young AP who is enthusiastic but easily moulded but you may prefer someone older.

Original poster
Waveney · 24/06/2015 18:20

OK thank you, that's v helpful. Back to the drawing board!

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Original poster
Waveney · 24/06/2015 18:17

Would 22 hours over four days be too much? & if we ignored the requirement for experience?

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Radiatorvalves · 24/06/2015 18:17

When our DSs were young, 1&3, they were in ft nursery, and the AP took them to/ from nursery, and was on her own with them for an hour or so in the am and pm. It worked for us. AP did a bit of housework but in total no more than 25 hours.

6 hours a day is too much IMO.

Original poster
Waveney · 24/06/2015 18:11

Ah ok, thank you. I've seen posts suggesting 25 hours a week is ok - is this too much or should 25 hours be split w housework etc? Sorry for stupid questions, total novice!

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Original poster
Waveney · 24/06/2015 18:10

Sorry should have said post will be four months total.

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pinkyredrose · 24/06/2015 18:10

No you need a nanny. An au pair should only be expected to do light household duties and occasional babysitting, not full on child care. Plus an au pair is unqualified and almost certain to have a low amount of child care experience.