Finding an au pair in London

[Lato]

Hi,

We are about to start looking for an au pair, we live in London. We have never done this and I would appreciate some advice. I saw that there are quite a few agencies with varying fees and "warranty" periods. There are also sites with adverts etc.

Could you please recommend an agency or the best way to go about finding an au pair.

Thank you

Lato i started on the same journey a few weeks ago and registered on aupairworld - have just hired my first aupair who seems lovely. Based on what I found online and a few friend's advise - agencies don't do that much more and cost stupid money so i decided to hire direct.

Based on my experience my advise would be to have a good think about what you are looking for in an au pair and write it down - I put together an info sheet and a sample schedule along with "house rules".

I asked for references with email addresses i could contact as well as criminal check from their home country.

I would buy the magazine called The Lady, it's a very well renowed magazine which advertises and has information on aupairs, homehelps, companions. It may be available on line too.

Whisperingwinds, thanks for the advice. Are you able to share some of the information you have included in your info sheet?

Thanks

Lato the main sections I had were about our suburb, neighbourhood, things to do etc; our family -a bit about each of us; loads about DD her personality, likes/dislikes; what were our must haves for an au pair; what our typical day was like and a sample schedule for the au pair. Good luck ! It takes up so much energy!