Family Resources
Find below some useful resources for families to help them when hosting an au pair. Also check out Kangaroo Au Pair's Family Advice page which gives information on what to expect, au pair duties & responsibilities and au pair visa requirements.
Finding an English language school
Check out our Kangaroo Special Offers page to learn more about getting great discounts on language classes exclusively for Kangaroo families with au pairs.
United Kingdom
EnglishUK.com lists over 450 English Language Schools in the UK. English UK is the national association of accredited English language centres.
Ireland
In Ireland MEI.ie is an association of 49 high quality English language schools in 120 locations all around the country.
Arranging health insurance
If your au pair is an EU or EEA national and is going to work in another EU or EEA country as an au pair or nanny for up to 12 months, they are entitled to apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card is free but only covers necessary healthcare in the public system if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay in that country. It does not cover the cost of treatment in a private setting. In the UK your au pair can apply for an EHIC on the website www.ehic.org.uk or in Ireland on the website www.ehic.ie.
Play groups and Parent & toddler groups
These are best suited to au pairs who are looking after pre-school children and are often a great way to get to know other au pairs in your area. Look out for the groups that do kids sing-a-longs as these are particularly good for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
In the UK NetMums.com has a very comprehensive list of the local parent and toddler groups. In Ireland Rollercoaster.ie gives a list of both organised classes and play groups throughout the country.
Activities au pairs can do with children
- Read 151 things to do with children on a rainy day at MagicMum.com best of all they are all free!!
- Fisher-Price.com has a number of online educational and developmental games for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Games include those that teach animal sounds, shapes, colours, the alphabet, phonics, memory games and much more. It's a great resource for a rainy day.
- Visit MyKidsTime.ie in Ireland and NetMums.com in the UK. These site list classes for children and also list all upcoming family and children events in every locality. Well worth checking out if you haven't already.
- SesameStreet.org is geared towards the younger child and contains games, music, videos and much more.
- Wikipedia is geared towards the older child, whether they are doing a school project or if just interested in a particular topic, this website is for them. It's a brilliant resource and covers nearly every topic.

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