Coronavirus_Statement from Childcare International

Hello All

This is proving a challenging time for our host families and Au Pairs and a number of our Au Pairs have already returned home prematurely to be with their families and loved ones at this worrying time, but many have opted to stay put and continue their Au Pair stay despite everything.

Please advise us directly any change in the placement circumstances so we can then do our best to help you when we start to receive new applicants.  We are not sure when this is likely to be but we need to plan for when things return to normality so that we can help you the earliest possible opportunity.

Unfortunately we cannot give any specific advice or guidance relating to the virus.  Reaction to the current situation is very personal for everyone.  We all just need to be supportive and tolerant of one another and cope as best we can with decisions that are made.  

We do however recommend that you do speak to your Au Pair as soon as you can and find the most appropriate solution for you and them regarding their au pair stay.  You  cannot force your Au Pair to stay so please do your best to establish that they are happy to continue their placement and also be aware that if they have any planned holiday in the next month or so it could prove difficult to travel – guidance on this changes on a daily basis and EU countries are all reacting differently – at the moment some borders are open and others are closed so some nationalities might not be able travel.

We have had a number of Au Pairs leave because they thought that the UK health system would not be open to them if they contracted the virus and became seriously ill.  When you talk to your Au Pair please do reassure them that the UK health service will support everybody who needs help if they are affected by the virus whether they are a UK or EU National.
In these difficult times, our office will be open everyday, but for shorter hours.   We will be  available from 10:15am – 2pm (Monday – Friday) and can be contactable on our landline:  0208 7314551.Should you need to contact us urgently outside of the office hours, the office mobile number is:  07958016444.  However, please note that calls may not be answered immediately and that a replacement au pair is not likely to be possible at this time. 

We hope you and your family and friends stay safe and healthy during this worrying time and we look forward to life hopefully getting back to normal in a few months time.
With best wishes

The Team at Childcare International