agency or internet?....

[ingles2]

so following on from this afternoons dramas do I
A/ get another AP from crappy and expensive agency
or
B/ take the plunge and try the internet?
Is anyone looking or interviewing on aupair world at the mo?

I've only had about 20 responses, and most of the ones I've contacted have said no, it's a country thing (I hope!)
When I sent out the questions I linked a web page with pics of everything, and more stuff about us. My favourite so far has put us on her favourites but I haven't heard anything else.
Most of them aren't right tbh... have registered on new au pair now as well and have had 1 reply from a girl who can start in July! I need someone like....yesterday!

Hello Ingles

I have to say I get fed up with some girls who contact me and then when I email a few times decide they want to be in London - it's not like I'm moved since they contacted me!

I am really enjoying not having one, but I'm sure the novelty will wear off as the ironing mounts up!

Have you checked out this site yet?

ingles2, it IS a country thing. Don't lose heart. My current aupair's last family lived in a tiny village with one infrequent bus out of it - they gave her a good ref. She grew up in a rural setting herself, so said she was fine with it.

If you want an aupair now, it might be a tricky time to be looking because most longer term ones would be with their families by now. At worst, the next season coming up is for summer aupairs (ie 3 months or shorter) and some might be looking now.

Hang in there.

ingles sorry to hear search isn't going too well. Mind you I had a chuckle to myself the other night as your questions are based on my questions that are based on eleusis questions and it must be funny that all the candidates are getting the same questions - they might think it's the families that are strange (or we might be an agency!)

I don't think it's a country thing - we are in London and my daily update has had average on one person that matches our requirements. I really think that the date for starting is the problem - I'm looking for April and have no candidates whatsoever (and no one has added me to their favourites, so you are doing better).

I agree with blueshoes, you may want to ring them up but it is extremely timeconsuming and at least with questionnaires you get a good idea of the type of person/match to your family.

We had a meeting with dds and dh regarding APs impending departure and replacement and they are going to add a couple of questions and then shortlist the replies (if ever we get any!).

Good luck - hope the weekend brings someone hopeful.

Thanks for your support everyone, god this is time consuming though isn't it!
New au pair have now thrown me up, 4 girls who can start in July (!) can't drive (!!) and want to be in London (!!!)
gotta or I'll cry!
er.btw....what's that all about cod?

deja vu, ingles, I remember the July thing from last year's search - they only want to be here for the summer holidays.

Ingles where are you Q's posted? (the ones based on MrsR/eleusis' questions

[excited] am interviewing an AP tomorrow (face to face) who lives just round the corner and drives. We don't need her until middle of April, so if she turns out ok, I could ask her if she wants to do a temporary position in Kent until then ingles - what do you think? Gives you a bit of time - plus she has APed before and has reference. Also, she is a car driver with her own car - knew that would get your attention!!

I sent my questions out in an email to the AP's but they're based on the questions further down this page very very kindly posted by blueshoes. It's only practical stuff.
Having spent the last 2 hours ironing am feeling very deperate for someone wonderful to come along.

OMG Mrs Recycle!.. Where did you find her? you lucky thing you... definitely if she seems good....

au pair world - can't believe it. She is rather young though but has experience of working in nurseries. I will let you know how I get on tomorrow (and how she gets on with LOs including ds 18months) and if she is okay, I'll bounce the idea of her to come down your way. Obviously, I'll check out her references beforehand.

guess what I've been approached by a czech couple on newaupair!!!! Might work, as we've got a small granny flat!
Have just emailed all the stuff, so... fingers crossed!

Oh brilliant ingles - definitely a good day yesterday - fingers crossed for you. I now have a few more candidates and am seeing local AP on Thursday now.

Good luck with the ex AP agency today!

Hi Marmaduke...
Spoken to them, have you seen my other thread?

Where? I will have a quick hunt....