Au Pair in the UK
An au pair is a cultural exchange rather than employment in the traditional sense: light housework and childcare in return for board, lodging and pocket money.
Enter your Postcode to find nearby availability
We use your Postcode to match you with available au pair providers nearest to you. Because both you and the provider have Postcodes, results are ranked by true local distance.
New customers get £10 credit to discount hourly services · T&Cs apply
About au pair services
Post-Brexit the practical difficulty is immigration — the old au pair route closed, and most now come on the Youth Mobility Scheme, which is limited to certain nationalities and ages. An au pair should not be sole carer for very young children, and the arrangement needs a written agreement covering hours and time off.
How much do au pair services cost?
Indicative guide, per hour — not a quote. Enter your Postcode for real prices from local pros.
Low
£8
Typical
£12
High
£18
What affects the price: The cost of hiring an Au Pair can vary significantly based on factors such as the number of hours required, the Au Pair's experience level, and the specific needs of the children. Additionally, living arrangements and any extra responsibilities can influence the overall cost of the service.
What you get on Locufy
- Free, no-obligation quotes from local au pair providers
- Local professionals matched by real distance
- Flexible scheduling — including evenings and weekends where offered
- Transparent pricing and clear communication before you commit
What to provide
- A private room for the Au Pair to ensure their comfort.
- Access to family schedules and routines to facilitate smooth integration.
- Clear guidelines on childcare expectations and household rules.
- Support for cultural exchange, including activities or outings.
Common au pair jobs
Some of the au pair jobs local pros on Locufy take on.
Live-in Au Pair
A full-time childcare provider who lives with the host family, offering daily support and companionship to children.
Part-time Au Pair
An Au Pair who works specific hours, providing flexible childcare solutions while allowing for personal time.
Nanny Au Pair
An Au Pair with additional qualifications or experience in childcare, offering more specialised support.
Language Tutor Au Pair
An Au Pair who focuses on teaching a foreign language to children while providing general care.
Special Needs Au Pair
An Au Pair with training or experience in caring for children with special needs, ensuring tailored support.
Summer Au Pair
An Au Pair who is available primarily during the summer months, catering to families needing extra help during school breaks.
What's involved in au pair
- 1Identify your childcare needs and preferences.
- 2Search for potential Au Pair candidates using Locufy's platform.
- 3Conduct interviews to assess compatibility and qualifications.
- 4Agree on a contract outlining responsibilities and expectations.
- 5Welcome the Au Pair into your home and provide orientation to your family and routines.
Good to know
- Ensure the Au Pair has relevant experience or qualifications in childcare.
- Discuss safety protocols and emergency procedures with your Au Pair.
- Be clear about working hours and time off to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Consider the cultural differences and communication styles that may arise.
- Regularly check in with your Au Pair to address any concerns and foster a positive relationship.
What au pair includes
Childcare Duties
Au pairs typically assist with daily childcare tasks, such as preparing meals, helping with homework, and organizing playtime activities. For example, an au pair may take children to school and pick them up, ensuring they are engaged and safe.
Light Household Tasks
In addition to childcare, au pairs often perform light household duties like laundry, cleaning, and tidying up children's rooms. This helps families maintain a clean environment while focusing on their children's needs.
Cultural Exchange
Au pairs provide a cultural exchange experience, sharing their language and traditions with the host family. This can include cooking traditional meals or teaching the children basic phrases in their native language.
Flexible Scheduling
Most au pairs offer flexible scheduling, allowing families to find childcare solutions that fit their unique routines. Whether it’s a few hours in the morning or a full day, au pairs can adapt to the family's needs.
Transport Assistance
Many au pairs help with transportation needs, whether it’s driving children to extracurricular activities or using public transport. This can be a significant advantage for busy families.
Language Support
Au pairs can provide language support for children, helping them with language skills through conversation and educational games. This can be particularly beneficial for families seeking bilingual upbringing.
How to book au pair on Locufy
Enter your Postcode
Tell us where you need au pair — your Postcode pinpoints providers who genuinely cover your area.
Compare local pros
See available au pair providers near you with ratings, reviews and clear pricing — no endless phone calls.
Book with confidence
Choose your provider and arrange the job. Badges and real reviews mean no nasty surprises.
Why book au pair on Locufy
Verified local pros
Providers can earn verification badges so you can book with confidence.
Truly local results
Matched by real distance using your Postcode — not a rough area guess.
Real reviews
Genuine ratings from customers who actually used the service.
Au Pair — frequently asked questions
What factors influence the cost of hiring an au pair?
The cost of hiring an au pair can vary based on factors such as location, the number of children, and the specific duties required. Additionally, the experience level and qualifications of the au pair may also impact pricing.
What is the typical duration of an au pair placement?
Au pair placements typically last from a few months to up to a year, depending on the family's needs and the au pair's visa regulations. Many families prefer longer placements for consistency in childcare.
Do I need a qualified specialist or can I hire a general au pair?
Most au pairs are not required to have formal childcare qualifications, but experience with children is often preferred. Families looking for specialized care, such as for children with special needs, may want to consider hiring qualified professionals instead.
Can I get an au pair on short notice or for emergency childcare?
While some agencies may offer same-day placements, it is generally advisable to plan ahead when hiring an au pair. Emergency childcare needs may be better served by local babysitting services.
Is it possible to book multiple related jobs with the same au pair?
Yes, many families choose to book multiple related jobs, such as childcare and light housekeeping, with the same au pair. This arrangement can provide continuity and convenience for both the family and the au pair.
What is typically out of scope for au pairs?
Au pairs are generally not expected to perform heavy housework, take care of pets, or manage household finances. Their primary focus should be on childcare and light household tasks related to the children.
How do I find au pair near me?
Enter your Postcode above. Locufy matches you with au pair providers who cover your exact area, ranked by true local distance rather than a rough town or county guess.
Is it free to get au pair quotes on Locufy?
Yes — searching and requesting quotes from local au pair providers carries no subscription fees for customers. You only pay for the work you agree to.
How much does au pair cost?
See our researched au pair price guide — typical costs, what affects the price, and how to save.