No formal qualifications are necessary to work as an au pair but applicants should have good social skills and be able to work in a family environment.

A driving license is preferred but not essential.

A police criminal background check is required by most families and it is the responsibility of the applicant to forward a copy of this document to the Petite Pumpkin au pair agency. This document can be obtained in most countries via your local police department.

References will be required from a previous employer or from your school or college.

Applicants for Germany will be expected to have a good basic knowledge of the German language. The application form and letter to the family should be in German.

Applicants for Spain will need to speak reasonable Spanish or English.