Smartaupairs recently applied for Leonardo funding. Leonardo is part of the European Commission's Lifelong Learning Programme and aims to build a skilled workforce across Europe. UK organisations work with European partners to exchange best practice, increase staff expertise and develop learners skills. (quote from Leonardo.org.uk)

We have applied to get funding for a European partner project ‘REAL’, Rewarding Experience from Au pair Learning. Together with partner agencies from Germany, France, Netherlands and Spain we would like to improve the au pair program from induction/preparation before the au pair stay, support & mentoring during the au pairs stay and feedback and certification at the end.

The key objective is to make the au pair program more recognised by prospective candidates and future employers alike as a real opportunity for cultural exchange combined with continuous learning, in the same way as for example there is a ‘Cambridge certified work experience’ we aim to have a REAL recognition for the au pair experience.