Many families only need childcare or support during the summer months in which case a summer au pair could be the solution.
The principles are broadly the same as for long term au pairs. Typically summer candidates are university students who are only free in the summer. The majority arrive in July and stay for 2 months or through into September. Summer au pairs tend to be bright, pro-active and independent with a good level of English. Since most of them will be busy each day with the children they do not expect to attend language school. As the hours are longer the pocket money reflects this, starting at £70 per week, dependent upon how many children, whether they need to drive and the number of hours. How long your summer au pair works really depends upon your requirements and your children. I think it is nice to break the week up for the children; ideally by mixing it with an odd day at a sports club or holiday club. I recommend that at the start of the holiday you agree a budget and a list of activities. It’s a good idea to provide the au pair with lots of brochures on activities in the area e.g. zoos, museums, parks and so on.
There is a great choice of summer au pairs and hopefully the sun will shine and both your children and the au pair will have a great time!
‘Ensuring the children have a fun and enriching time in the summer holidays can be difficult to manage with all the usual commitments of home and work. Last year I engaged an au pair for the first time and found that the extra mind and pair of hands was invaluable. Having someone to take the children to the park, doing painting with (and clear up), and to manage some of their meals meant that we could all relax and enjoy the sunshine. We had various themes for the weeks and our au pair scoured the internet and books to find local places to visit and activities to do which made for a lot of fun. Our family really enjoyed having a summer au pair and we continue to keep in touch with each other. For a newcomer like me Cherish Childcare made the whole process so straightforward and easy. I welcomed their professionalism and understanding and would recommend them to anyone.'
