Completely new at this!

[CharlieandLolaCat]

Am hoping someone has some advice for a complete novice!

My DS starts school in September and I am going to need help before and after school Monday to Thursday. I am a single mother and DS is donor conceived so there is no one else that I can rely on although my sister is there as a backup.

The wraparound care at school is 8-6 which doesn't work for me in terms of my commute. I have plenty of space and I have concluded I need an au pair. I don't live in London but in a commutable town about 50-60 mins north so I suspect my pool will be a bit limited.

I am 'only' looking for about 5 hours a day before and after school with the odd bit of babysitting and help in the holidays (but I'm not unrealistic, will be using holiday clubs etc and taking leave - not an unreasonable amount I don't think but maybe a bit more than in term time just due to the hours).

Anyway, I have had an agency recommended to me but am wondering whether I should just use au pair world? And if I want someone in September, should I get them to start then, or should I get them to come in August? And when is sensible to start looking? Is now too soon?

Sorry for all the questions, any advice gratefully received .....

Au pair world has worked for me and I've had 5 au pairs. I'd start looking now and get them to come over a few days before your little one starts school so they're both used to each other. I'm also a single parent with little external help and it's given me great peace of mind. Even just having someone to pick up the little in if they are poorly at school, rather than rushing home from work.

I'd find out about language classes in your area, and links to other cities, north and south, as generally au pairs like to travel all over in their time off. We are north of the border and I've never had a problem attracting people. Good luck!

Thanks @surlycurly, that's really helpful and reassuring. Shall crack on and do a bit of research!