Nursery World - Au pairs merely 'cheap childcare'

The Government's decision to extend its au pair scheme to a further six European countries has been condemned as being 'totally irresponsible' because it would encourage childcare on the cheap.

because it would encourage childcare on the cheap.

The Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN) criticised the extension, but acknowledged that the au pair system was 'an excellent one if used correctly and not abused'.

The Home Office said last week that from 18 December, young people from Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania could come to work in the UKas au pairs.

Home Office minister Beverley Hughes described the scheme as 'an important opportunity to spend time in the UK, learn English and gain an understanding of British culture and way of life'. She said she hoped it would 'help both the young people who want to have an enriching cultural experience of the UK, and the British families they will stay with'.

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