FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ASKED BY PARENTS

1. What exactly is an au pair?

An au pair is more than childcare: (a trusted, child-focused mentor who supports learning, routines, and well-being in your home. They’re carefully matched to your family’s values and needs, with child-first duties (not housekeeping).

2. Do you only place au pairs?

No, we specialise in child-centred, in-home support:

  • Baby Specialists & Night Nurses

  • Afternoon / After-school Au Pairs

  • Special-Needs Au Pairs

  • Student & Professional Au Pairs

  • School Facilitators & In-Home Tutors

  • Home School Teacher

3. How do you select candidates?

Every candidate has been/ is:

  • Personally interviewed by one of our team

  • Reference-checked (written + contactable)

  • Minimum 12 months’ child-care experience

  • Driver’s licence + own roadworthy car

  • Screened for maturity, reliability, and genuine warmth with children
    Only candidates meeting our standards are introduced.

4. How does the placement process work?

Complete application – so we fully understand your requirements.

  1. Listen & learn – call or home visit if you’re unsure.

  2. Shortlisted candidates – vetted matches for your needs.

  3. Introductions & interviews – with our question prompts.

  4. Agree the fit – duties, schedule, boundaries, package.

  5. Ongoing support – check-ins and guidance after placement.

5. What duties can I expect? (child-first)

Daily care: meals/snacks, routines, bath/bed, next-day prep

  • School support: lifts, homework, projects, exam prep, reading

  • Enrichment: outdoor play, crafts, age-appropriate activities

  • Light child-related tasks: lunchboxes, uniforms, activity prep

Not housekeeping. The focus is your child’s safety, growth, and calm routines.

A joyful father sitting with his two children, a girl and a boy, in a modern living room, looking at a tablet.
A family walking on the beach with three children, the father carrying a young boy on his shoulders, and the mother and another girl walking beside them.

Parents, do you have any questions? Chat to us today!

A happy family enjoying time at the beach, with the father carrying a young girl on his back as the mother smiles at them under a sunny sky.
An older woman with glasses and gray hair sitting at a table with two children, drawing and coloring. The woman is smiling and guiding the girl with braids. There are notebooks, markers, and colored pens on the table.

6. Safeguarding & professionalism—what are your non-negotiables?

Verified references, ID and driving checks, first-aid/CPR encouraged

  • Clear house rules (devices, visitors, spaces)

  • Appropriate supervision and boundaries for play and outings

  • Transparent comms (daily notes/WhatsApp as agreed)
    Small link: Our promise to families →

  • Photos and other online and offline are not permitted.

7. Can my au pair also tutor?

Yes—many bring strong academic support. We set realistic goals (reading habit, subject boost, exam planning) and provide follow-through at home.

8. Do you place special-needs support?

Yes. We place Learner Facilitators in schools, Home-school Teachers, and Special-Needs Au Pairs/Tutors at home. We partner with parents and teachers to set goals, routines, and communication channels.

9. Baby Specialists vs Night Nurses—what’s the difference?

Baby Specialists: full-day, sole-charge newborn care and routines.

Night Nurses: overnight support (1 week to 3–6 months) for newborns or disrupted sleep.

10. What if the placement doesn’t work out?

We mediate early, coach expectations, and—if needed—rematch you with alternatives. Your family’s calm and continuity come first.

11. Where do you work?

Across the Western Cape: Southern Suburbs, South Peninsula, Atlantic Seaboard, City Bowl, Northern Suburbs, Cape Winelands—and nearby surrounds.

12. How long have you been around?

Placing since 1994—trusted by two (even three) generations of Cape Town families.