An au pair is typically a young person, usually from the UK and sometimes from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. They live with a host family, providing care for children, in exchange for accommodation and a small salary. Along with the job opportunity, au pairs are offered a chance to experience life in a new country, improving their language, social and communicative skills.
Hiring an au pair in Leatherhead is an important family decision. It is a fantastic approach to providing quality childcare while also encouraging cultural exchange. With the perfect match, families in Leatherhead can receive high-quality care, while their children are exposed to different cultures, languages, knowledge and views. This arrangement combines practicality, patience, understanding and personal connection, creating a unique dynamic. In this article, we are going to discuss what an au pair is, their duties, working hours and the best way to hire an au pair in Leatherhead.
As an au pair, the right candidate can become an invaluable part of the family. They can form a bond with your children, while providing parents with the domestic support they need within their home in Leatherhead. Unlike full-time nannies, the duties of an au pair are slightly different. As per government guidelines, they cannot look after young children under the age of 2 because they often lack the necessary childcare experience to be responsible for toddlers and babies. They are not expected to have sole charge unless rare, exceptional circumstances occur.
Housekeeping duties are not always a requirement and should be considered a secondary focus. They are usually light duties related to the children such as keeping their bedrooms tidy, play areas well-organised and doing children's laundry. It is important to define and clearly communicate what you need from your au pair ahead of time, so you are both aware and happy with the arrangement. A typical day may consist of similar tasks:
Au pairs in Leatherhead cannot exceed 30 hours per week, however arrangements can vary and be extended up to 45 hours depending on the country's regulations. While there are limits, flexibility is typically required for au pair positions - some families will require the candidate to work extra hours one week, but will in turn provide a corresponding amount of time off in exchange. Furthermore, au pairs may be required to do split shifts in order to provide support to the families in the busy mornings and evenings.
Au pairs in Leatherhead are typically employed on a live-in basis. Oftentimes, their host family provides them with a separate bedroom and access to a bathroom; in some cases, they are offered an en suite.
The primary duties of an au pair in Leatherhead are to care for children on a daily basis, which includes getting them ready for school, transporting them to and from activities, preparing meals and assisting with schoolwork and school-related projects.
Au pairs in Leatherhead are not intended as long-term childcarers nor are they supposed to act as a replacement for a professional nanny. This is because they lack the experience and often the qualifications required to look after toddlers and babies. Some of the key childcare responsibilities of an au pair include:
Choosing to directly hire an au pair in Leatherhead may give you a wider range of applicants and more control over the process, but it can also lead to great disappointment and frustration. Sorting through a pool of unqualified candidates can be very time-consuming, adding unnecessary stress to an already demanding process. Working with an agency easily removes that burden, providing you with the peace of mind you need. If you are looking for exceptional candidates, the best way to find someone suitable is to seek the help of experts. Little Ones London prioritises understanding your family's specific needs and requirements to perfectly match you with the most suitable candidates.
With over 15 years of experience in the childcare and domestic placement industry, Little Ones provides you with the most thoroughly vetted Au Pairs in Leatherhead. Each candidate goes through a thorough interview process as well as a detailed review of their previous childcare experience and skills assessments - a strict vetting procedure that has been carefully developed over the years.
We guarantee that all candidates have:
Little Ones ensures that your family's needs are at the forefront. Our experienced consultants also make sure that the candidates' skills and qualifications are suitable for the role they are applying for and align with the family's requirements and values. Moreover, they verbally verify previous employment references, confirming that any details provided are correct and genuine.
If you are looking for an Au Pair in Leatherhead, call 0207 183 0309 or enquire here, and we will be happy to find you a suitable candidate as quickly as you need.