WHY HAVE AN AU PAIR
Its always useful
to have an extra pair of hands to help with the kids - with the school
holidays upon us this can become a must have. Due to rising costs and
demand for childcare, many parents are turning to Au Pairs for their childcare
needs.
  
WHAT IS AN AU PAIR
As part of a cultural
scheme between countries, an Au Pair lives as part of the family assisting
with the children and housework in return for around 80 Euros pocket money
per week, meals and their own room. The Au Pair’s main reason for
coming to a country is to ‘live’ the culture and language,
so must be free to discover the country , follow language lessons and
study in their free time. The Au Pair can lend a hand for up to 30 hours
a week providing continuity of care in your own home, acting as an on-site
baby-sitter and might even provide the children with language lessons.
IS AN AU PAIR FOR ME?
An Au Pair is not
for everyone; it is imperative to consider whether or not your family
can handle another person living with them. It is a good idea to lay down
the ground rules early on to avoid expensive phone bills and all night
outings! For a happy placement the Au Pair must become a member of your
family, be encouraged to join a language school, sports club, and visit
local sites etc. Using your Au Pair Agency’s networks to meet other
Au pairs in the area is a great way to make new friends and alleviate
homesickness.
All child-care options
raise questions, for Au Pairs these usually focus on whether or not an
unqualified person is the right solution for the childcare you are seeking.
Most Au Pairs do not have any formal ‘childcare’ qualifications
but should have had experience with children through siblings, babysitting
and children’s clubs. An Au Pair is not a nanny and so cannot be
left in sole charge of infants under the age of 3 but is a good option
for parents who remain at home or who have older children.
HOW TO FIND AN AU PAIR
The arrival of the
Internet has made it easier and cheaper for families to make contact with
Au Pairs however there can be security issues by going direct. Peace of
mind can be bought using a reputable Au Pair Agency to manage the interviewing
and selection process. Using your criteria, they search for the best match
and present you with a shortlist of Au Pairs to choose from.
A good agency will
help you identify your needs; carry out security and health checks, and
compatibility matching whilst guiding you with your choice. They should
interview candidates and ensure your family is given all the information
collated on a candidate. It is advisable to secure an ongoing 24-hour
emergency support throughout the Au Pair’s stay so that should there
be an emergency, there is an experienced interpreter on hand to help resolve
any difficulties.
An agency that focuses
on your family’s safety can often arrange 1st Aid courses for Au
Pair’s on your behalf. Professional agencies will also offer replacement
schemes and insurance options to help you should things go wrong as well
as help and guidance with regards to your Social Charge URSAFF contributions
and health insurance. Ultimately you make the final decision, so whatever
method you chose, check all references and information where possible
before hiring any one to look after your children. Having an Au Pair to
help with the school run, organise tea time, do washing and tidying can
be worth its weight in gold for parents with school children.
 Pebbles specialise in placing French Au Pairs in England, Based in Nice
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