An au pair is a young person, usually from a foreign country like South Africa or Australia, who lives with a host family. They are employed to provide childcare and help with light housework in exchange for room, board, and a small allowance.
Hiring an au pair in Oxfordshire is an important family decision. It is an excellent way to provide reliable childcare while promoting cultural exchange. When matched with the right candidate, families receive quality support, while children benefit from exposure to new languages, culture, knowledge and perspectives. On the other hand, au pairs are offered the chance to experience life in a new country, improve their language skills, and build relationships. 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 Oxfordshire.
What are the duties of au pairs in Oxfordshire?
Au pairs become an invaluable part of the family; forming bonds with both children and their parents, providing the domestic support required within their home in Oxfordshire. The duties of an au pair can be quite broad. They should not be expected to have sole charge unless exceptional circumstances occur. Unlike nannies, they cannot look after children under the age of 2 because au pairs are less experienced and lack the sometimes necessary qualification to take care of toddlers and babies.
Housekeeping duties should be considered a secondary focus - usually light duties related to the children, such as keeping their bedrooms tidy, play areas well-organised, doing children's laundry and meal prepping healthy and nutritious meals. It is important to clearly communicate what you need from your au pair ahead of time, so both parties are happy with the arrangement. A typical day may consist of the following tasks:
Morning: Supporting the children's morning routines, helping them get ready for school, completing school drop offs.
Afternoon/Evening: Completing school pick ups, dropping the children off to afterschool activities, providing homework assistance, engaging them in outdoor activities.
Lunch/In-between shifts: During the day, while the children are at school, the au pairs are usually free to spend their time however they may please.
Working hours for au pairs in Oxfordshire
Au pairs in Oxfordshire cannot exceed 30 hours per week, however arrangements can vary and be extended up to 45 hours depending on the country's regulations. Au pair jobs usually call for flexibility. For example, some families may require the candidate to work extra hours one week, and will prefer to provide a corresponding amount of time off in exchange. Furthermore, au pairs may be required to do split shifts to provide support to families with busier than usual schedules.
Au pairs in Oxfordshire are typically employed on a live-in basis. Their host family provides them with a separate bedroom and access to a bathroom; in some cases, they are offered an en suite.
What concludes the duties of an au pair?
The primary duties of an au pair in Oxfordshire 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 Oxfordshire are not intended as long-term childcarers nor are they supposed to act as a replacement for a professional nanny, because they often lack the experience and qualifications required to look after toddlers and babies.
Daily routines: Assisting with morning and evening routines, helping the children establish daily habits they are able to easily follow and stick to.
Meals: Assisting children during meal times; preparing healthy and nutritious meals and snacks and helping them build confidence in completing daily tasks independently.
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 Oxfordshire?
Choosing to directly hire an au pair in Oxfordshire 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.
How can Little Ones assist you in finding the most suitable au pair for your family in Oxfordshire?
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 Oxfordshire. 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 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 Oxfordshire, call 0207 183 0309 or enquire here, and we will be happy to find you a suitable candidate as quickly as you need.
