Summer Help - Aupair probably

[dizzydo]

Having posted very recently about going it alone with no aupair I now realise that I really do have to have one for the children's summer holidays. Do you think that I would be able to find one for just eight weeks, I really wouldnt want anyone for any longer as we are moving very soon anyway and our new house will be too small to accommodate an au-pair.

Your advice would be very much appreciated. I have only ever had au-pairs for one year stretches and am not sure of how to go about this.
TIA

I think if you wander over to greataupair.com you'll find lots of EU girls wanting to come to England for the summer. Most will want 3 months, but you never know, might settle for 2.

Oh thanks for that Uwila. Do you know what the going rate for summer au-pairs is or is it the same as an ordinary au-pair?

Hi dizzydo - My non-smoking, non-drinking dd is 18 and looking for a summer job, possibly au-pair work. She has just finished her A levels and is going to start training as a primary school teacher next year (2007). She is fab and currently works as my childminding assistant, and also babysits for several local families (great references). She has a CRB enhanced disclosure and a GCSE in child development.
Unlike my 16yr old ds she also knows the difference between a washing machine and a dishwasher and isn't afraid of housework.
If you would be interested in a friendly, sensible UK girl please CAT me with your terms and conditions.

Wow, can't get much easier than this, dizzy!

Hi Gooseegg, just got home from work and read your post. I cant believe it could be this easy, sounds great. I will CAT you later on this evening? Whereabouts do you live Gooseegg. Presumably your dd is prepared to live in?

We are in Devon dizzydo. Hi Uwila . And live-in would be fine.

Hi Gooseegg, I have just sent you an email.

Has your daughter any friends who are considering aupairing this summer that you would recommend?

There are tons of girls looking for short Summer placements. I had one last summer that was with us for June and July, and she was excellent.

The only problem is that very few countries have school holidays that match up with ours.

goosegg, are you formerly goosey?

I think I know of a couple of French girls who are looking for au pair jobs for the summer. Shall I ask, Xena?

Hi pierre, yes please. 4 children 8,4,2&0 not sole charge just someone to amuse some while I spend time with others iyswim?

Yes, I am Uwila
Xena - there is one lovely friend of hers who may be interested. I'll tell my dd to have a word with her and find out.

oh, hello Gooseeg!! I can vauge (sp?) for goos and her daughter. They looked after my 1 and 3 year olds a couple weeks ago while we were on holiday in Devon. Lovely people!!

By the way goosegg, Hannah still asks about your DS. I've been meaning to help her send him an e-mail. But haven't found the time.

Oh no, what happened? Where are you? Start date? Hours?

Hi KS, yes, I meant you. I read that thread after I posted the message on this thread.

Any more developments? Personally, I wouldn't trust an agency with the time of day. As shameful as their behaviour is, I can't say it surprises me. The agency's sole purpose is to make money through placing au pairs / nannies and the impression I get is they don't care much about the parent or the au pair once they have their money. I also firmly believe that inflate salary statistics because they have a vested interest in how much the nanny makes (this applies more to nannies than au pairs).

Regarding the reference, I think you did the right thing. An upset au pair is better than writing a glowing reference that gets her a job that puts another person's child in danger.

Hi Uwila, thanks for note re gooseegg and her daughter. Have been in touch and hopefully she will want to come and stay. Can't believe my luck really.

Do you know what Pierre, I have been looking for a french au pair since january and have now finally after many disappointments secured a lovely girl. I couldnt beleive it when i chanced upon this thread and saw that in a blink you had access to an armful. I could of saved myself a lot of hassle and hours perusing the agency sites! Oh well, theres always next year!