Benefits of using a BAPAA Agency

All families who choose to find an au pair in collaboration with a member agency of the British Au Pair Agencies Association enjoy substantial benefits. All BAPAA members work closely with reputable partner agencies all over Europe to make sure an au pair is both vetted and prepared in their own country prior to departure to the UK.

A BAPAA agency assists with the careful matching of au pair to vetted families in Britain. BAPAA’s Agency Code of Conduct means that agencies have to supply your family with sufficient personal information about the applicant, including references, a medical report and a police report.

Agencies work to the highest standards in the industry and their experience and professionalism means they can minimise the risk of disappointment and help resolve any issues that may arise.

As BAPAA is the only official Trade Association for au pair agencies, and is recognised by the Home Office, all agencies have access to the latest guidelines on immigration, ensuring your au pair placement is legal. Please see also our section “Who can be au pair?” as some nationalities are not able to live in the UK as au pair.

Many agencies look after the same host families year after year; they know the families well and this ensures successful placements.

How to choose the right agency for your family?

With so many BAPAA agencies to choose from, here are some tips to help you find the agency that best suits your needs:

Read the general information on their website
Ask questions when you contact them, such as; opening hours, staffing levels, regional experience, i.e. have they placed in your location before, nationality specialist i.e. some agencies focus more on certain au pair nationalities.
Are they easy to reach? Pleasant to talk to? Do they seem to understand your family’s requirements?
Read the terms and pricing; what is their policy if a placement does not work out?
If you are a first time host family, what additional services do they offer to support your needs?

Membership packs

Once the au pair is placed with their host family in the UK, every BAPAA member agency can offer at least the following benefits (and often many more!):

• Free welcome pack for the au pair
• 24 hour emergency helpline
• Use of the exclusive BAPAA “find a friend” website
• Discount on medical / travel insurance
• Free mobile phone simcard
• Excursions and introductions to other au pairs
• Discounts on entry tickets to UK attractions and theme parks
• Discounts on Paediatric First Aid courses
• Support and advice throughout au pair stay from a professional agency