Stephen

My Requirements

I’m Stephen and I’m looking for an au pair / nanny for a part-time role that mainly covers my work travel.

I have two children aged 9 and 12. They’re well behaved and do best with structure and routine. They enjoy reading, gymnastics, and love watching movies. They’re also into LEGO and arts and crafts, so it helps if you’re happy to encourage a calm, screen-balanced mix of activities.

The role (main requirement)

These are linked to my work trips to Ireland, where I’m typically away for 3 days and 2 nights, so I need someone who can take full responsibility for the children’s needs, including overnight care. I anticipate a minimum of one trip a month or maximum of two.

Working pattern (example to be agreed):

- Day one would be pick up from school at 6:00pm and bed by 9:00pm. Overnight stay.
- Day two wake up 7:00am and school drop off 8:00am and pick up 6:00pm, bed by 9:00pm. Overnight stay.
- Day three wake up 7:00am and school drop off 8:00am (1hr)

Trips are most likely to fall between Monday and Friday (I’m likely to have some flexibility to choose days) so there is no requirement for Friday nights or weekends. If any weekend cover is ever needed, it would only be by agreement and I would pay an enhanced rate.

During trips the children are at school during the day (roughly 8am–6pm), so support is mainly:
• Morning and evening routines
• Meals / light meal prep
• Being present overnight
• Occasional pick-ups/drop-offs for school events or sports

Driving / availability in the day

Ideally you’ll have your own car. You’re welcome to work during school days, but you must be able to pick up and drop off when needed. The school is very close — around 5 minutes’ drive or a 10-minute walk.

Support while I’m away

You won’t be on your own — I have local family nearby who can be on-call as emergency backup while I’m away if anything very unexpected comes up.

Accommodation and lifestyle

You’ll have your own room with an en-suite and plenty of privacy. As this is a part-time, travel-cover role, it suits someone local who wants reliable, regular paid stays each month, with plenty of downtime while the children are at school during the day. The key requirement is that you’re comfortable running the home routine while I’m away — mornings, evenings, overnight care, meals, and occasional pick-ups/drop-offs for school or sports.

Terms
• Start date: Ideally trial in January and start February 2026
• Pay: £TBC per stay month (depending on experience and fit)
• Travel changes: if trips are cancelled, payment is still honoured
• Reliability: no payment where you are not available for agreed stays or need to cancel

Planning and flexibility

I’d aim to agree the dates/days at least 1-2 months in advance wherever possible. That said, some flexibility on both sides may be helpful to accommodate other commitments (for example, if you have a holiday planned).

Requirements
• Two references
• Hands-on experience with children (paid work, volunteering, or caring for your own)
• Happy to agree a trial period

If you’re responsible, kind, and confident being the lead adult during my short work trips, I’d love to hear from you.

Best wishes,
Stephen