Au pairs, employees of au pairs, parents of au pairs; please tell me everything i need to know!

[ferriswheel]

I have 3 small children. Two are pre school. I'm a single parent looking to go back to work. I'm thinking I need an au pair.

Can you help me get my head around how to prepare? What to prepare? Any benefits to monopolise? And, how not to end up in a potential nightmare scenario.

Do you pay her a proper UK Nanny wage?

Hey, I'm a nanny but thought I'd offer some advice.

Make sure (whether you have a nanny or au pair) that you lay down all the responsibilities and requirements in writing, in a proper contract that you all sign. Include proper notice periods, hours and pay. If you want someone just to look after the kids, that will cost less than someone to also do the cooking and cleaning.

I have an au pair and am about to start my search for my third. I would say they are great for wrap around care for nursery / school but not a substitute for a nanny or nursery.

An au pair from the EU can work 30-35 hours per week whereas an au pair that needs a visa is restricted to 20 hours.

Marcia was that a question to me?

The answer is no. I don't pay her the same as a uk nanny. She doesn't have the same qualifications and is more of a nanny/housekeeper but then my kid is now 8 and doesn't need a "nanny" she needs someone to take her to and from school/activities and cook, do washing etc

I am a single parent and travel for work so I needed more someone I can trust than someone who is an expert in child development if you see what I mean.