What is an Au Pair?

An au pair is a young person, usually from overseas, who lives with a host family and provides childcare and light household support. The role is designed as a cultural exchange, giving families the opportunity to welcome another nationality into their home while offering the au pair a chance to experience life abroad. Many families enjoy the benefits of introducing their children to a different culture, language, and traditions through the au pair programme. For young people, it can be an exciting first step into childcare, often sparking an interest in becoming a professional nanny later on.

How Does an Au Pair Differ from a Nanny?

While both au pairs and nannies provide childcare, there are some important differences:

Experience-Nannies are trained professionals, often with years of experience. Au pairs are usually novices gaining practical childcare experience
Children’s Ages-Nannies work with children of all ages, including newborns. Au pairs are typically placed with families whose children are over the age of 2.
Working Hours-Nannies may work full-time or part-time depending on the family’s needs. Au pairs generally work no more than 30 hours per week.
Pay-Nannies earn a professional salary that reflects their training and responsibilities. Au pairs receive a smaller stipend, as their placement is considered a cultural exchange rather than formal employment.
Living Arrangements-Nannies may live in or live out. Au pairs always live with their host family and become part of everyday family life.

About Au Pair in America

Au Pair in America is the original au pair programme, established in 1986. Today, it remains one of the most trusted organisations for families looking to host an au pair in the United States.

They provide:

Safe and reliable matches between host families and au pairs.
Supportive counsellors in every community to ensure au pairs are happy, safe, and settling well.
A strong emphasis on cultural exchange, making the experience enriching for both families and au pairs.

Why Families Choose an Au Pair

Families often find an au pair to be a good option when they want:
• Flexible childcare for children aged 2 and above.
• An introduction to another language or culture for their children.
• A live-in arrangement that brings an extra sense of family life and support.

While the role of an au pair is not the same as that of a professional nanny, it can be a valuable way for young people to gain childcare experience and for families to enjoy the benefits of cultural exchange.
Please see their website here:

Is There an Au Pair Scheme in the UK?

Unlike the United States, the UK does not have a formal government-backed au pair programme. Until 2008, there was an official Au Pair Visa, but this route was closed, and following Brexit there is no dedicated visa for au pairs.

Today, families in the UK sometimes still use the term au pair, but placements here are informal and usually arranged privately. A young person may live with the family, provide part-time childcare (often around 25–30 hours a week), and help with light household duties in exchange for food, accommodation, and pocket money.

Some young people come to the UK for this type of arrangement on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (open to certain nationalities aged 18–30) or as students who take on part-time childcare. However, there is no structured national programme offering the same safeguarding, training, and cultural exchange support that exists in the USA.

Key Difference Between the USA and UK

In the USA, au pairs are placed through regulated agencies such as Au Pair in America, with clear rules, support counsellors, and protections in place.
In the UK, the concept of an au pair is more informal and unregulated, making it important for families to be clear on expectations, hours, and pay, and to ensure proper safeguarding steps are taken.

National Nanny Association Advisory

The National Nanny Association advises families in the UK to be mindful that au pair arrangements here are not a regulated childcare route. Safeguarding should always be the top priority. Families should ensure that any individual caring for children has the appropriate background checks (such as a DBS), clear written agreements, and realistic working hours to protect both the au pair and the children in their care.

Please see this short documentary film from Au Pair America, which can give you an insight into this fabulous initiative.