Children aged 2+
Au Pair
Flexible, reliable support for school routines, activities and child-related household help.
Placement fee$895.00- Personal candidate matching
- Screening and interview support
- Ongoing placement guidance
♥ Trusted live-in childcare across Australia
More support at home. More time for family.
We bring Australian families and carefully screened international au pairs together—with personal matching, practical guidance and ongoing human support.
- Carefully screened
- Personal matching
- Ongoing support
13+ yearshelping families find their match♥
No joining fees•No activation fees•No interview fees•Only pay when you place
A simpler way to find the right fit
From first conversation to a supported placement.
Tell us about your children, routine, practical requirements and household. We’ll use that detail to introduce candidates who genuinely fit.
- 01
Tell us about your family
Build a richer profile around your children, routine, location and the kind of support that would make family life easier.
- 02
Review compatible matches
We check practical requirements first, then explain why each carefully screened candidate could suit your household.
- 03
Meet and decide
Review clear profiles, ask questions and choose who you want to interview. The final decision always stays with you.
- 04
Prepare and stay supported
We confirm expectations before arrival and continue providing personal guidance as everyone settles into a new rhythm.
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Experience you can feel confident in
Personal support from someone who understands family life.
Perfect Au Pairs is led by Melissa Inkster-Finlayson, an experienced recruiter, solo parent and former host to nearly ten au pairs. That experience keeps the service practical, personal and grounded in the realities of sharing a home, and means Melissa understands what families are looking for.
- Tailored to your family
- Transparent placement fees
- Carefully and thoroughly vetted candidates
- Fair rematch policy
- Real support and guidance through your au pair journey
- Information booklets and supporting documents on every aspect of selecting and hosting an au pair
Professional affiliations & community
Trusted connections, shared standards.
We stay connected to the wider au pair community so families and candidates can feel supported at every stage.
Stories from host families
The right match can change family life.
Kind words from families who found their au pair with Melissa and Perfect Au Pairs.
You were very patient and honest with us, and it was so appreciated. We really felt that you cared and wanted us to feel happy and secure in the choice that we’d made.
We were so nervous at the start, but the information and support you provided was great. We have already recommended you to some friends and will continue to do the same.
Laura has integrated into our family beautifully. She is a warm and happy person, a great help and fantastic with my son.
Mel found me two amazing au pairs that my son has absolutely adored. I highly recommend Perfect Au Pairs and have personally recommended them to friends and colleagues.
The kids have already bonded with her and she is so patient with them.
All amazing! Life changing! Definitely looking to do it again.
Helpful answers for families
Frequently asked questions.
What is an Au Pair?
An Au Pair is a young person who lives with your family and provides childcare and light household assistance in exchange for accommodation, meals, and pocket money. Au Pairs offer a flexible and affordable childcare solution while participating in a cultural exchange experience.
What is the difference between an Au Pair, Au Pair Plus, and Au Pair Premium?
Au Pair: Suitable for families with children over 2 years of age and provides childcare support and assistance with children's routines.
Au Pair Plus: Has experience caring for children under 2 years of age, children with special needs, or has more extensive childcare experience.
Au Pair Premium: A qualified childcare professional or highly experienced caregiver with formal childcare, teaching, nursing, or early childhood education experience.
How many hours can an Au Pair work?
Au Pair hours vary depending on the placement type and family requirements. Most Au Pairs assist with childcare and child-related household duties for between 25 and 35 hours per week. We will help you establish a fair schedule that complies with visa requirements and provides flexibility for both the family and the Au Pair.
How much pocket money does an Au Pair receive?
Pocket money varies depending on the Au Pair's experience, qualifications, hours worked, and responsibilities. As a guide, most families provide weekly pocket money in addition to a private furnished room, meals, and other agreed benefits.
What do I need to provide for my Au Pair?
Families are required to provide:
- A private furnished bedroom
- Meals
- Weekly pocket money
- A welcoming and safe family environment
- Reasonable access to household facilities such as Wi-Fi
How long can an Au Pair stay with our family?
Placements can vary from a few months to 12 months, depending on visa conditions and the needs of both the family and Au Pair.
Are Au Pairs qualified childcare workers?
Most Au Pairs are not qualified childcare professionals but have childcare experience. Families requiring additional qualifications should consider an Au Pair Premium.
How does Perfect Au Pairs screen candidates?
All candidates undergo a thorough application process, interviews, reference checks, and screening to ensure they are suitable to work with children and become part of a host family.
Can I choose my Au Pair?
Yes. We provide carefully matched candidate profiles, and families have the opportunity to interview Au Pairs via video call before making a final decision.
What happens if the placement doesn't work out?
While we carefully match families and Au Pairs, we understand that sometimes placements may not be the right fit. We provide ongoing support and work with both parties to resolve issues and, where appropriate, assist with finding a replacement.
What support does Perfect Au Pairs provide?
We provide guidance before, during, and after placement, including matching assistance, interview support, family resources, handbooks, and ongoing advice throughout the placement.
Why choose Perfect Au Pairs?
Perfect Au Pairs provides personalised service, carefully screened candidates, ongoing support, and transparent pricing with no search, activation, or membership fees. Our goal is to create successful, long-lasting matches that benefit both families and Au Pairs.
Still have questions?
Our friendly team is here to help.
Contact Perfect Au Pairs today to discuss your childcare needs and find the perfect Au Pair for your family.
Ready for more breathing room?