How to find APs already in the UK

[tiggersreturn]

We just had a disaster with our 2nd AP (left after 4 days without telling us) after a really lovely experience with our 1st one. I'd prefer to have our next one be someone I can actually meet in person, show the house to and get a better feel of whether they're up to the job or not.

How do people advertise for one's already here? I've tried Gumtree but w/out any success so far.

They don't have to be in the uk to do this - it costs not much more than a weeks wages to fly someone here for the weekend from most EEC countries, but obviously you only want to do this for one you are pretty sure is right.

But if you want an immediate start, one in the UK might be the best bet. Difficult to find this time of year as most APs start in August/September so by now they are either happy with their job or have left already, however there are usually a couple on APW. Never had any success with Gumtree - too many illegals and underqualifed full-timers for me.

If you register on au pair world or great au pair then you can search for people who fit all your required criteria and who are also living in the UK at the moment - I had an application in today from someone just arrive din UK and wanting an immediate start. There are usually dozens available.

Thanks. I'm on apw although bit nervous as last ap came through there.