Once we have received you details, we will start sending suitable families copies of your application.

Form
Its important that you fill in the application form as well as you can. Try and fill it in on the computer if possible or write with clear black ink. try and be as flexible you can be in terms of ages of children, number of children, duties, hours and the area you wish to be placed in.
The applicants with the most flexible forms tend to be placed first

Letter
The letter and the references are supposed to give the family a very good idea of who you are and therefore it is very important that you make the right impression in your letter. When writing it you should always remember that you are writing to a prospective employer. Families usually have an au-pair because the parents work, are busy and need help to take the children to and from school and stay with them until the evenings. Sometimes they might want to leave you in charge of the children and house and have complete confidence in your abilities to cope with anything that might happen. Because of this they will want an au-pair who is responsible and mature. Usually for families the most important thing is the au-pairs relationship with the children. They look for someone who already has childcare experience, loves being with children and likes working with them but at the same time can be firm with them when necessary. They also want an au-pair who is happy to do some lighter housework.

You should start you letter with “Dear family”. Write about your family background (i.e. Occupations of parents, brothers and sisters), say something about the area you live in, population etc. Give details of schooling and in particular any subjects concerning childcare, cooking and housekeeping. If you have worked with children previously give details of the children’s ages, the activities done with the children and other responsibilities associated with the position. Then say something about yourself. Give details of your interests and hobbies and also say something about your personality-but remember you are writing to a future employer so only say positive things about yourself. You should always say why you want to come to England or Ireland and what you hope to do in the future. The letter should be at least two pages long (if written in your own handwriting) or one page (if written on computer). Please do not ask anyone else to write it for you, it will lead us to believe your English is better than it is.

References
We will need at least two different references, preferably regarding babysitting/childcare experience you have. If not, a reference from a former employer or from your School would be acceptable. The references should include how long you worked for, what your duties were and a personality statement. If the reference is not in English make translations and send them too. The name must be signed and printed clearly and the address and a contact number must be on each reference for us and potential families to check. Please don't let any of your friends write a reference. All references have to be from adults that are not family members or friends.

Police and medical check
Please make sure you apply for a police report and book an appointment with a doctor or nurse that can verify that you are fit and healthy physically and mentally.

Photos
Its much nicer for a family to receive a photo collage of you and kids that you have looked after in the past if possible. Please make sure you look happy and smiley on the pictures.

Feel free to Contact us
  Telephone: 0207 600 9880