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Safety Guide for Families

Your children's safety is the top priority. This guide helps you vet au pairs carefully, set clear expectations, and know what to do if something goes wrong.

Using Verification Badges to Vet Your Au Pair

AuPairly's verification badge system gives you visibility into how thoroughly an au pair's background has been checked. Look for these badges on profiles:

ID

ID Verified

The au pair's South African ID or passport has been verified against government records. This confirms they are who they say they are.

Ref

References Checked

At least one reference from a previous employer or character reference has been submitted and verified by AuPairly.

1st

First Aid Certified

The au pair holds a valid first aid certificate, giving you confidence they can respond to basic medical emergencies involving your children.

Qual

Qualifications Verified

Any stated qualifications (e.g. early childhood development diploma, teaching degree) have been checked through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or a recognised verification partner.

Tip: Badges reflect checks done at the time of verification. Always conduct your own interview, check references personally (call them — don't just rely on written references), and trust your judgment during the trial period.

Setting Clear Expectations and Agreements

Clear expectations protect both your family and your au pair. Before your au pair starts, agree on and ideally put in writing:

Working Arrangements

  • • Exact working hours and days
  • • Overtime policy and pay
  • • Stipend amount and payment schedule
  • • Annual leave and sick leave entitlement
  • • Notice period (both directions)

Duties and Responsibilities

  • • Which children they will care for
  • • Permitted activities (driving, outings, swimming)
  • • Household tasks directly related to childcare
  • • Screen time and dietary rules for children
  • • Emergency procedures and contacts

House Rules (Live-in)

  • • Use of common areas and kitchen
  • • Guests and visitors policy
  • • Curfew or late-night expectations
  • • Privacy boundaries (both ways)

Communication

  • • How and when to raise concerns
  • • Regular check-ins (weekly or fortnightly)
  • • Feedback style and frequency
  • • How to request leave

Note: Under the BCEA, you are required to provide your au pair with a written record of their terms of employment within the first month. Even a simple signed letter covering the key points is better than nothing.

Safeguarding Your Children

The Children's Act 38 of 2005 places the primary responsibility for a child's safety with the parents or guardians. When you bring an au pair into your home, you remain responsible for your children's wellbeing. Here is how to exercise that responsibility:

Start with a trial period

Consider starting with a paid trial of one or two weeks. This gives you and your children a chance to observe how the au pair interacts before making a long-term commitment.

Talk to your children

Teach children (at an age-appropriate level) that they can always tell you if something makes them feel uncomfortable. Make it clear that they will not get in trouble for telling you. After the first few weeks, ask them casually how things are going.

Keep emergency contacts visible

Leave a list of emergency contacts on the fridge or in a visible place: your mobile numbers, the nearest hospital, your family doctor, SAPS (10111), and poison control. Make sure your au pair knows the home address and nearest intersection.

Stay involved

Regular check-ins with your au pair are not a sign of distrust — they are good management. A brief chat each week about how things are going keeps issues from building up unnoticed.

Know the signs of concern

Take it seriously if your child shows sudden changes in behaviour, becomes unusually anxious, or says anything that suggests they feel uncomfortable around the au pair. Act on these signals promptly.

What Information to Share with Your Au Pair

Before their first day, make sure your au pair has everything they need to care for your children safely:

Essential from Day One

  • • Full home address and nearest intersection
  • • Your mobile numbers (both parents if applicable)
  • • Children's full names and dates of birth
  • • Any medical conditions, allergies, or medications
  • • Name and number of family doctor or paediatrician
  • • Nearest hospital with emergency department
  • • Poison Control (0861 555 777)

Privacy Considerations

  • • Do not share financial or sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary
  • • Agree on a social media policy (can they post photos of your children?)
  • • Keep security codes (alarm, safe) on a need-to-know basis
  • • Be clear about which areas of the house are private

Reporting Concerns on AuPairly

If your experience with an au pair raises concerns — whether about misrepresentation, inappropriate behaviour, or anything that made your family feel unsafe — please report their profile. Use the report button (three-dot menu on their profile). You can also block the user, which prevents them from messaging you.

Our admin team reviews all reports and can take action including profile suspension.

Email:

Key Emergency Numbers

SAPS

10111

Emergency

112

Poison Control

0861 555 777

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Family Safety Guide — Vetting Your Au Pair | AuPairly