Au pairs - childcare

Au pairs are young women (very occasionally men), aged between 17 and 27, who come to the UK from a number of European countries. Their main purpose in being here is to learn the language, and they live with a family who offer a small amount of pocket money (£35 per week) and board and lodging in return for help in the house.

Au pairs' working hours are limited by the Home Office to five hours a day, or seven hours in the case of an ‘au pair plus’, who would earn a little more. She should have two free days a week, and be able to pursue her studies.

Advantages

• Since she lives in, part of her salary is in the form of board and lodging, so cash costs are low
• She will be available to babysit in the evenings
• She will do some housework

Disadvantages

• She may have no experience of looking after children
• An au pair would be inappropriate to care for a young baby
• You will need space to accommodate her
• She may be homesick
• You may need to be very clear about issues like smoking, use of the telephone and boyfriends

Where to next?

• Choosing childcare - your options.
• How to spot a great nursery.
• How to choose a great childminder.
• Keeping it in the family - our article explores the issue of family looking after the baby