Where to look for an au pair - good agencies?

[pandia]

I'm looking for an au pair to start in the spring - no idea of the best places to look for someone good. Can anyone recommend any good agencies or contacts that you've had positive experiences with? Thank you

Whereabouts in the country are you OP?

I might know of 2 Italian sisters who may be looking for jobs

I'm in Hampshire in the new forest

Cherish Childcare are excellent.

If you pay an AP directly, how do you sort out their tax, NI contributions etc?

I believe they receive pocket money as opposed to a wage.
They therefoee don't pay tax etc.
I use Montrose in Edgware, London.

Bunters. Really helpful and we've had a wonderful au pair through them. She cares about both sides the au pair and the parents which I think makes a big difference.

I'm in Worcestershire - anyone know of an agency local to here/Birmingham?

Another MNer recommended Richmond and Twickenham Au Pairs to me and I have got the most fantastic AP. We are in Surrey. Despite the name, Richmond and Twickenham Au Pairs places APs all over the country. In fact the woman I dealt with (Karen) is based in the Midlands. Agency fee was quite reasonable as well.