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Childcare Options

The right support for your family

Every search begins with a personal consultation, so we can advise on the type of childcare that best suits your family.

NanniesExperienced career nannies, live-in or live-out, full or part-time. Nanny HousekeepersDedicated childcare with the running of your home alongside. Junior NanniesCapable, energetic carers, typically live-in, with less than three years’ nannying experience. After-School NanniesDependable term-time care for school runs, homework and clubs. Au PairsLive-in cultural exchange, ideal for wrap-around school care.

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Families

Everything you need to begin

How we work, what it costs, and the guidance we share along the way.

The Family JourneyFrom first conversation to your childcarer’s first day. FeesFixed placement fees, with free registration. Guides & ResourcesPractical guides built on twenty years of placements. FAQsThe questions families ask us most.
A parent and toddler walking through a sunlit meadow

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Candidates

Your next role, thoughtfully matched

There are no fees for candidates, and we support you from our first chat to long after you start.

The Candidate JourneyHow we support you, especially if you’re new to the UK. Nanny GuidanceWhat we look for, typical pay and what to have ready. Au Pair GuidanceWho can apply, the right to work, and what you receive. FAQsThe questions candidates ask us most.
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Twenty Years of Kind Words

30 October 2026 · by Tuuli Liiskmaa, Director, Smart Au Pairs & Nannies

Award-winning au pairs, video stories and the messages that kept us going.

2012 — Birte, IAPA Au Pair of the Year

Birte, from Germany, was placed as an au pair by Smartaupairs Australia and was awarded the International Au Pair Association’s Au Pair of the Year for 2012. I had the pleasure of meeting her in Budapest for the awards ceremony. Part of her family’s nomination letter:

“She is so instantly warm, friendly, and full of creativity. And now, after having lived with us for 7 months, she is family and we love her dearly. We will forever have her in our lives.”The Bess family

2014 — Irene, IAPA Au Pair of the Year

Irene was nominated by her host family in West Sussex and awarded Au Pair of the Year 2014 by the International Au Pair Association, at its annual conference in London on 16 March 2014. In this video, her host mum Maisie and Irene talk about their experience.

2017 — Kirby’s story

Kirby came to us from Australia and spent her au pair time with a lovely family in Sevenoaks, Kent — and was our Smartaupair of the Year 2016/17. Here are Kirby and her host mum Claire.

2020 — Speaking up for the au pair programme

As Brexit approached, the BBC covered the future of the au pair programme in the UK: “Brexit: ‘Au pairs are a practical solution to a big problem’”.

2021 — The parcel that kept us going

2020–21 was a challenging year for everyone, with Covid disrupting family life, work and travel. For us as an agency, it meant supporting families and au pairs through the pandemic while also lobbying the UK Home Office to protect the au pair programme for future generations. In the middle of it all, our au pairs sent us a parcel of handwritten cards — a gesture that meant more than we can say, and a reminder of exactly why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who supported us through that time.

“Ines has been an absolute god-send during this difficult and strange period. We are so fortunate that she decided to stay with us and our house was definitely a more calm, organised and relaxed place because of it - we will all miss her terribly!”Lucy · Host mum in London (during Covid)

Kind words over the years

“Using Smartaupairs has been a great start to our first experience of having an au pair. Their comprehensive and personal service gave us the reassurance we needed to introduce a much needed pair of extra hands into our expanding family. Our aupair has fitted into our family routine, taking over the school run and looking after the children very well, which has made life with my new baby much easier and less stressful. Thank you Tuuli for the excellent service you gave us.”Kate · Host mum in Hampshire
“It’s plain to see that the aim of Smart au Pairs is not shoving candidates through the system, but to ensure all parties has a very rewarding experience”Chiara · Host mum in London
“I've been really impressed with your customer focus. We've had a nanny for 4 years (much loved) and I was very worried that the transition to an au pair would be painful for the kids, the parents and the au pair. It's been quite the reverse. We are fortunate to have a super au pair, and it's all gone swimmingly (so far). I think the efforts you make to help the au pairs feel welcome and part of a larger au pair community are really important in making it work. We'll be in touch next year for a replacement! ”Sarah · Host mum in Surrey
“Smartaupairs were an absolutely amazing pairs agency! They checked in on me every few weeks via email and phone calls. Whenever I emailed them they were very quick to respond and they were really helpful. They arranged meet ups with other au pairs and also had a Facebook group where you could get in contact with au pairs all over London/England. My year in London was fantastic many thanks to Smartaupairs!!”Benedicte · Au pair from Sweden
“Tuuli and the team are amazing at what they do! So supportive, encouraging and overall I have had the best experience working alongside Smart Aupairs! I wouldn’t choose any other agency and would definitely recommend them to other au pairs/Nannie’s looking for their next family. It’s a challenging journey to be in a foreign place but with Smart Aupairs & Nannies you are 100% in safe hands!! 10/10 :)”Vau · From New Zealand, placed in London

Thank you to every family and childcarer who has shared their story with us. You can read more on our reviews page.