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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Au Pairs - how much do you check them out beforehand?

33 replies

FeatheredHeart · 26/07/2009 21:30

I would really feel much happier if I could get references, a police check and a letter from their doctor saying they've
no serious communicable diseases...

Does anyone do this?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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catepilarr · 27/07/2009 01:24

agencies often ask for a medical form from a doctor. it has date of immunizations plus a note saying something like XY is physically and mentally able to work with children.

why would you not trust a polish doctor? i actually think that polish doctors must be better that the british ones.

Majorca · 26/07/2009 22:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

limonchik · 26/07/2009 21:54

No employer has ever asked me for a doctor's letter, I think I would find that a bit intrusive.

I think experience/desire to work with children is important if you need an au pair fr a small child - and check references.

CaramelisedOnions · 26/07/2009 21:52

sorry but wonder if asking for a doctor's letter will put some APs off when it comes to it as other families won't ask for one.

Personally I would go for an au pair who definately has childcare experience if that is what you want help with. We have got our second summer student here ATM and they seem to be a bit esoteric and not so practical.

DD1 suggested the childcare experience if we ever do it a third time or else get a grafter if you want housework.

I find that if you ask them for references they will always be good ones so you kind of have to speak to them and go with your instincts to a certain degree....

Original poster
FeatheredHeart · 26/07/2009 21:43

Anyone know if they have to get the doctors letter if they want to work in schools here?

OP posts:
Original poster
FeatheredHeart · 26/07/2009 21:42

Well, i dunno, anything really. If it's on headed paper from the practice wouldn't it be ok? Would someone go to the bother of forging that? It's not as though it'd be hard thing to get hold of.

OP posts:
limonchik · 26/07/2009 21:42

You can ask for references easily enough - depending on the country it might be possible to ask for a police check too. I think expecting a doctor's note is a bit much though.

CaramelisedOnions · 26/07/2009 21:40

communicable diseases? like what? I don't think I would trust a letter from say a Polish 'doctor' giving my au pair the all clear....