How We Screen Au Pairs at Sol Au Pairs
How We Screen Au Pairs at Sol Au Pairs
Inviting someone into your home to care for your children is a big decision.
It’s completely normal for families to want reassurance around safety, experience, and values.
At Sol Au Pairs, screening is not about ticking boxes, it’s about understanding the person behind the profile and making sure placements are safe, realistic, and well matched for everyone involved.
Below is a transparent look at how we screen and support au pairs throughout the process.
Step 1: Personal Interviews
Every au pair we work with is interviewed directly.
These conversations help us understand:
Their childcare experience and confidence with different ages
Their motivation for becoming an au pair
Their communication style and personality
Their expectations around hours, routines, and family life
We’re not just listening for what they say, but how they say it, openness, honesty, and emotional awareness matter just as much as experience.
Step 2: Childcare Experience & References
We take time to understand an au pair’s real-world experience, which may include:
Babysitting
Nannying
Helping with siblings or relatives
Camp, school, or childcare roles
Where available, we request references and talk through:
Ages of children cared for
Length of experience
Responsibilities held
Strengths and learning areas
We’re realistic, not every great au pair comes with a formal childcare background, but clarity and honesty are essential.
Step 3: Police & Safety Checks
Safety is non-negotiable.
Before placement, au pairs are required to provide:
A police check from their home country (where available)
Identification and visa documentation
Additional checks depending on their circumstances and location
Families are also guided through appropriate safety steps on their end, because protection works best when it’s mutual.
Step 4: Thoughtful Matching (Not Just Availability)
Matching is where experience meets intuition.
We consider:
Children’s ages and needs
Family schedules and routines
Lifestyle, location, and household dynamics
Personality fit on both sides
We don’t rush matches and we don’t push placements that don’t feel right.
Sometimes the best outcome is waiting for the right fit.
Step 5: Clear Expectations & Preparation
Before an au pair arrives, we support families and au pairs with:
Clear schedules and hour expectations
Agreements and documentation
Practical preparation guidance
Honest conversations around boundaries and communication
This step alone prevents most issues later on.
Step 6: Ongoing Support During the Placement
Our role doesn’t end once the au pair arrives.
We provide:
Check-ins during the placement
Support if schedules or expectations need adjusting
Guidance if challenges arise
A calm, neutral point of contact for both sides
Placements are human, support and communication matter.
Our Approach & Values
Our screening and matching approach aligns with best-practice principles recognised internationally, including those promoted by organisations such as the International Au Pair Association, particularly around safety, cultural exchange, and ethical placements.
We believe au pair arrangements work best when they are:
Fair
Transparent
Respectful
Balanced
For families and au pairs alike.
Why This Matters
A well-screened au pair is not just safer, they’re more confident, better prepared, and more likely to settle happily into family life.
Equally, families who are clear, realistic, and well prepared create placements that last and feel positive for everyone involved.
At Sol Au Pairs, our role is to support both sides of the exchange, so placements feel respectful, balanced, and human, not transactional
Thinking About Hosting an Au Pair?
If you’re exploring whether an au pair could be the right fit for your family, we’re always happy to talk things through — no pressure, just honest guidance.
👉 Learn more on our Family Info page or get in touch for a chat.
