An au pair is typically a national from either a European country or from a country outside of the EEA. He or she is normally aged 17-27 and comes over to England primarily to learn English.
An au pair lives with a family
And in return for board and lodging and a small allowance she does a mixture of childcare and light housework. She must be given the opportunity to study and should only work a maximum of 25 hours a week. She should be paid an allowance in the region of £50-150. She must not be left in sole charge of children for long periods of time.
School aged children
Au pairs should only look after children of school age, or at the most 3 years upwards. Most au pairs are very young and have little experience as childcarers.
Tinies does not provide au pairs, but they can be obtained through au pair agencies. Sometimes it takes longer to find an au pair, particularly if she is still in her home country.
A Childminder is someone who looks after children in their own home. Whilst standards vary, lists of registered childminders are available from your local Family's Information Service.
Ofsted registered
Childminders must be registered by Ofsted and therefore you can ask to see a copy of their latest Ofsted inspection or report. Childminders in Scotland must be regulated by the Care Commission.
Childminders work from home
Most childminders work in their own homes, sometimes with a partner or assistant. They tend to have their own children, and look after other people's children as well. Childminders are self-employed and negotiate a fee with parents for the service they provide. Childminders must have had basic training and hold Public Liability Insurance.
