Aupairs

[primprincess]

Hi We are a family of four, me my husband and two young boys and we are located in Amersham, bucks.

We are considering getting an au pair to help with morning and evening routines with the kids - weekdays only. she will have her own room and bathroom to use and access to all communal space.

According to the BAPAA, they can work up to 30hours a week so we will probably maximise this although 50% of this time will be alongside me and my husband. It is to start from December/January by which time my boys will be two and four.

Is it too early to look for one now? I would like to avoid paying an agency so how would I go about recruiting one privately?

Where is the best place to post an ad?
What is the going rate? the BAPAA says £85 a week pocket money is average, is that right?
Do you know someone who may be looking to move and who may be interested?

I would appreciate any help / advice you have

£85 -£100 a week is average as it includes au pairs food and accomodation but thats normally with some extras such as phone bill (set amount or contract) - train/bus card, language lessons if from another country etc.

I think it's a bit early to look AS most people start from up to 5 months before so around august to September but nothing's stopping you from just having a look at the websites and thinking about what the duties and times you need are etc, Aupairworld is a good website, also have a think about what you would put in the contract (days off, holiday) etc

You live very near me OP. £100+ average for our area, I'd also get her a yound person's railcard as aminumum. Most au pairs in the area work 25-27 hours a week plus 2 nights babysitting.

You just need to advertise on au pair world - 3-6 months in advance. Emphasise the fact that there are easy transport routes into London, language classes nearby and lots of other au pairs to socialise with.