An au pair is a young person, usually a student from a foreign country, who provides childcare in exchange for accommodation and a small fixed regular salary. They are offered employment, and the opportunity to experience life in a new country, improving their language, communicative and social skills.
Hiring an au pair in Buckinghamshire is an excellent way to bring trustworthy childcare into the family while also encouraging cultural exchange. With an appropriate match, families may gain flexible support, while children benefit from exposure to new languages and ideas. It is an arrangement that combines personal connection and practicality, creating a unique dynamic. But what exactly is an au pair, and how can you arrange to hire one in Buckinghamshire?
What are the duties of an au pair in Buckinghamshire?
As a cultural exchange member, au pairs in Buckinghamshire are expected to integrate in the family’s life as a member and not just an employee. Unlike full-time nannies, an au pair’s duties might differ. As per government guidelines, they cannot look after children under the age of 2. This is because, oftentimes they lack the necessary experience and knowledge to be responsible for toddlers and babies. Unless rare, exceptional circumstances occur, they cannot have sole charge of the children.
Their primary role remains childcare; although equally important, housekeeping duties should be considered a secondary focus. Usually, they consist of light duties related to the children such as doing children’s laundry, keeping bedrooms, play areas and all children’s spaces clean, tidy and well-organised. A typical day may consist of tasks such as:
Morning: Supporting the children’s morning routines, helping them get ready for school, cleaning up after them and dropping them off to school
Afternoon/ Evening: Completing school pick ups, dropping the children off to afterschool activities, providing homework assistance, engaging them in outdoor activities and supporting their night routines
Lunch/ Inbetween shifts: During the day, while the children are at school, the au pairs are usually free to spend their time however they may please, whether that’s studying, going out or engaging with friends and family
Working hours for au pairs in Buckinghamshire
Au pairs in Buckinghamshire cannot exceed 30 hours per week, however arrangements can vary and be extended up to 45 hours, depending on the country’s regulations. Generally, flexibility is required for au pair positions - some families will request the candidate to work extra hours one week, and 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, afternoons and evenings.
Au pairs in Buckinghamshire are usually employed on full-time, live-in basis. Often their host family provides them with their own bedroom, within the family home, and either their own bathroom or access to a shared one.
List of Primary Childcare Duties
An au pair’s primary role includes ensuring the daily care of children: getting them ready for school, preparing meals, transporting them to and from activities and providing homework assistance. Au pairs in Buckinghamshire are not intended to be a sole, long-term child carer or a replacement for a professional and experienced nanny. This is because they lack the experience and sometimes qualifications required for specialist positions. Some of the key childcare responsibilities include:
Daily routines: Assisting with morning and evening routines, ensuring that children are promptly ready for school every morning and stick to their bed time routines.
Meals: Assisting with meal times and preparing healthy and nutritious meals and snacks
Transport: Ensuring children arrive safely to school and back home as well as any afterschool activities
Supervision: Organising educational and age-appropriate activities and ensuring the children are engaging and socialising
Why use an agency to find an Au pair in Buckinghamshire?
Taking the initiative to hire an au pair on your own, in Buckinghamshire, may give you a wider range of applicants, but it can also lead to unnecessary frustration and disappointment. Sorting through a pool of unqualified candidates can be time-consuming and add unnecessary stress to an already demanding process. Working with an agency easily removes that burden.
If you’re 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.
How can Little Ones assist you in finding the most suitable au pair for your family in Buckinghamshire?
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 Buckinghamshire. 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.
Other certificates or diplomas in childcare or further education
Little Ones prioritises your family’s needs and requirements. Our team of experienced consultants ensure that the candidates’ skills and qualifications are suitable and applicable for the role they’re 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’re looking for an Au Pair in Buckinghamshire, reach out to us, and we will be happy to find you a suitable candidate as quickly as you need. Call 0207 183 0309 or enquire here.
