Choosing Between a French Au Pair or a French Nanny in London: What’s at Stake?
For London’s working parents, choosing childcare is one of the most important—and complex—family decisions.
Between demanding careers, high living costs, and limited time, families often weigh up whether to hire an au pair or a professional nanny. Both offer different benefits, but their responsibilities, costs, and legal implications vary significantly.
This comprehensive guide will help you confidently choose the right childcare option for your family, with a close look at costs, hidden considerations, and why many parents are turning to experienced, multi-lingual French nannies for long-term value.
What Is an Au Pair? And What Do They Do?
A French au pair is typically a young adult (18–30) from overseas who lives with a host family to experience British culture while helping with children above 2 years old and light housework. The arrangement is informal and based on cultural exchange.
Key Characteristics of a French Au Pair:
- Live-in Arrangement: French Au pairs reside in your home and are treated like extended family members. In exchange for their help, families provide accommodation and meals. Au pairs generally eat dinner with the family every night.
- Limited Working Hours: Typically, au pairs assist with childcare for no more than 30 hours per week, often in a flexible, informal schedule.
- Minimal Payment: Instead of a salary, French au pairs receive “pocket money” (£100–£150/week), which is not subject to tax or National Insurance contributions.
- Limited Experience: Au pairs usually do not have formal childcare training and may have only minimal babysitting experience. They can’t look after children below 2 years old.
- Short-Term Stay: Most au pair arrangements last 6–12 months, meaning families may need to find replacements often.
- Cultural Immersion Focus: Designed as a cultural exchange rather than professional employment, with less focus on structured childcare.
Au pairs are best suited for families needing light, flexible help who can offer the space and time to integrate a young person into their home.
Legal and Visa Challenges of Hiring a French Au Pair in the UK
Hiring a French au pair used to be a popular and straightforward option—but post-Brexit changes have made the process far more difficult and legally uncertain.
There Is No French “Au Pair Visa” in the UK
According to the UK government:
“There is no au pair visa for French or Europeans. You can’t come to the UK as an au pair.”
– UK Government Guidance
This means there is no official immigration route for someone to come to the UK simply to be an au pair if they are coming from France, Italy, Spain or another European country.
Limited Visa Options for Au Pairs
Some still come under alternative visas, but these have tight restrictions and do not include Au Pairs:
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (T5): Only available to young people from select countries. The visa is not intended for formal childcare roles and spots are capped annually.
- Student Visas: Allow part-time work, but au pairs under this scheme must be careful not to exceed the 20-hour limit or perform tasks deemed as “employment.”
Legal Risks for Families
- No Legal Status: Au pairs are not considered employees, which creates grey areas around taxation, employment rights, and safeguarding.
- Immigration Breaches: Hosting someone on the wrong visa could lead to fines or enforcement action.
- Lack of Regulation: Unlike nannies, au pairs aren’t required to undergo DBS checks or safeguarding training.
For London professionals, these legal complexities—and potential liabilities—can outweigh the cost savings of an au pair.
What Is a French Nanny? And What Sets Them Apart?
A French nanny is a professional caregiver, often with formal training, who provides regular, structured childcare in your home.
What Makes a French Nanny Different?
- Formal Employment: Nannies are legally employed, with written contracts, paid holidays, and pension contributions.
- Qualifications and Training: Many French nannies which we hire at French Nanny London have certifications in childcare (e.g., CACHE, Early Years), paediatric first aid, and specialised areas like newborn care.
- More Hours and Flexibility: Full time Nannies typically work 40–60 hours a week and can adapt to your work schedule. Part time nannies can work from 1 day a week to every afternoon per week, again adapting to your needs and schedule.
- Holistic Care: Nannies can help with the children’s development and well being, handle early learning, meal prep, developmental play, homework and school runs.
- Bilingual and Cultural Enrichment: Many families choose French-speaking nannies to introduce or maintain bilingualism at home.
A nanny is ideal for busy families who need consistent, professional support and want to invest in their child’s early development.
Cost Comparison: Au Pair vs Nanny in London (2025)
Au Pair Costs:
- Pocket Money: £100–£130/week (~£400–£550/month)
- Room and Board: You must provide a private room and all meals
- Living Costs: Additional spending on travel cards, mobile phone, outings (~£100/month)
Estimated Monthly Total: £600–£800
Working Hours: 25–30 hours/week
Nanny Costs on the same hours: 25/30 hours per week
- Gross Salary: £2000/month (depending on experience and language skills)
- Employer Costs: Taxes, NI contributions, and pension (~20% extra)
- Agency Fees : At French Nanny London, we apply a one off introduction fee at the beginning of the placement (14% for full time placements)
Estimated Monthly Total: £2,200+
Working Hours: 25/ 30 hours/week
While more expensive, French nannies offer professional childcare—legally employed, trained, and reliable.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Au Pair | Nanny (Live-Out/Live-In) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (monthly) | £600–£800 | £2,200+ |
| Hours per week | Up to 30 | up to 60 |
| Accommodation required | Yes | Optional |
| Qualifications | None | Professionally trained and qualified |
| Employer responsibilities | Minimal | Formal employment obligations |
| Language skills | Often don’t speak English fluently | Often bi-lingual or multi-lingual |
| Child development focus | Limited | Strong (early learning, routine) |
| Age suitability | 3 years+ ideal | From newborns |
| Legal certainty | Illegal at the moment | Legal |
Why Many London Parents Choose a French Nanny
Consistency and Routine
Nannies offer structured routines around meals, naps, learning, and outings. This stability supports your child’s emotional and developmental growth.
Training and Experience
Qualified nannies bring expert knowledge, from early learning techniques to first aid. They know how to support every stage, from newborn sleep to toddler tantrums.
Language Development
Multilingual nannies—especially French-speaking—expose children to another language naturally during daily life. This immersion enhances cognitive flexibility and can lead to bilingual fluency.
Full-Time Support for Professionals
Nannies match the work-life demands of busy parents, often covering long hours, school pickups, and holidays—legally and without time limitations.
Legal Peace of Mind
Hiring a nanny ensures clarity: DBS checks, contracts, employer protections, and compliance with UK employment law.
How to Hire a High-Quality Nanny in London
- Define Your Needs: Are you looking for live-in or live-out? Do you require language fluency or special skills?
- Use a Specialist Agency: Choosing French Nanny London agency, with expertise in placing multilingual nannies and strong safeguarding standards will speed up your search and allow you to access our network of French nannies built over the last 15 years.
- Conduct Thoughtful Interviews: Ask about routines, childcare philosophy, emergency response, and language use.
- Verify Background: We will provide you with up-to-date DBS checks, paediatric first aid, and multiple references.
- Trial Period: Consider a trial week to assess chemistry and performance.
- Create a Clear Contract: French Nanny London will provide you with a template : Include salary, schedule, duties, sick pay, and notice periods.
- Ensure Legal Compliance: Use a payroll provider or accountant to handle taxes and pensions.
Final Thoughts: Which Option Is Best for You?
Choosing between an au pair and a nanny comes down to your priorities:
- If you want cultural exchange, can provide housing, and need part-time support, an au pair might suit but you won’t be able to get a French Au Pair legally in the UK.
- If you require professional childcare with legal clarity and long-term consistency, then we would love to help you find your next French nanny.
Work With London’s Experts in French and Bilingual Nannies
At French Nanny London, we specialise in placing highly experienced, multi-lingual nannies with families across London. Our French-speaking nannies are:
- Fully vetted with DBS checks and verified references
- Experienced in childcare and early learning
- Fluent in French and English, encouraging bilingual development
Whether you need full-time or part-time help, we’re here to match you with someone exceptional.
Ready to begin your search?
Contact us today for a personalised consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an au pair work full-time in the UK?
No. Au pairs are limited to 25–30 hours per week and cannot work full-time legally.
Is there a visa for au pairs in the UK?
No. There is currently no visa specifically for au pairs. Any informal arrangements should be checked carefully for immigration compliance.
Do bilingual nannies help with language development?
Yes. Children immersed in two languages from a young age benefit from cognitive flexibility and advanced communication skills.
What’s the difference between a French au pair and a French nanny?
An au pair is a cultural guest with limited hours and no formal qualifications. A nanny is a trained, paid professional offering reliable, full-time childcare.
