Finding the right au pair

[Plumm]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and am looking for info on au pairs.

I've read through lots of the threads and have a general idea of where to find an au pair and what to expect, but I wonder if anyone could advise me on the process after I've found a au pair I like?

I have seen people mention questionnaires (when interviewing) and rule books (when an au pair comes to stay) and wondered if anyone could give any examples of what goes in these.

Thanks for your help.

Hi,

I've had several au pairs (some good, some bad). The best site I've managed to find them on is aupair.world.com.

I currently have a new au pair called Sophie who is Austrailian.

If you need any more info my home email address is [email protected]

Kind regards

Maxine

Hi Maxine,

I've just emailed you - thanks.

I think most people follow the process below:

Find an au pair (or 20) and start e-mailing
Some will turn out to be rubbish, some will find other families while you're talking, some will never e-mail you back
Send them a questionnaire (there are v. comprehensive ones you've probably seen that you can adapt) and scrap any APs who don't respond/have rubbish answers
You'll probably now be down to a handful that you can call up to check their level of English and get some references
Check references and make an offer

Rule books really depend on you and your family, what you need the au pair to do and how you like your house to be. They might include things like times the AP works, duties, restrictions on phone/laptop use, what you provide eg. a travel card, activities the AP can/can't do with the children.

You will also need to think about the legal side of things such as visas, a contract, paid holiday etc.

I'll go on a thread hunt for you!

Thanks - I've heard the questionnaires mentioned but never actually seen one - does anyone have an example?

(I'm in a bit of a panic because two weeks ago I found out my daughter has a place in nursery in Jan so thought that would be the ideal time to start work. I applied for a fantastic job which I accepted today, and they want me to start on 30 November! Aargh! I've got childcare from my mum arranged but am keen to get an au pair as soon as possible)

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childminders_nannies_au_pairs_etc/390456-questions-to-ask-a-nanny-at-fir st-interview-all-suggestions

This thread has lots of good ones.

What age is your daughter as you might want to put more age specific questions in.

try this link!

au pair manual

You're an absolute star!