scarla

Another spotting today on Sydenham Hill!

Maybe your au pair has a vested interest to say that she isn't overpaid? I agree that ?70 to 85 is too low for around here but the home office and aupairworld must be the best sources for guidance. I don't know a family (and that's talking to the parents including those that go through agencies) that pays any more than ?100.

These figures give a very elevated view of typical au pair pay! Why does the biggest au pair website quote a much lower number? They quote home office advice of ?70 to 85. Even the London premium doesn't explain the discrepancy.

Hi,my au pair, Kimberley from South Africa, who is 21,is keen to meet up. She has just arrived here. Please let me know if your au pair is still open to meeting up. Thanks!

Everyone I know pays no more than ?100 a week to their au pair and I think up to 30 hours a week of childcare is typical. If aupairworld recommends ?70 to ?85, then I think that some increase on that is appropriate for London but not the premium that is mentioned in earlier messages! Also, au pairs don't need to be 23+ for car insurance. Factors like the age of the car probably makes a difference to premiums.

Fernando tidied our high hedge today. We were very pleased with his work and agree with everyone else that he is keen and courteous. We will be using him again. Scarla

I agree that its worthwhile going to have a massage by Andy. He is enthusiastic and the set up is highly professional. Scarla

Matt and his team did an excellent job of painting and decorating various parts of our house as we prepared it for sale. They did an amazing job on our front room ceiling which needed attention to detail because didn't want the period ceiling rose or the decorative coving compromised in any way. During the works they ensured the affected rooms were always kept tidy and it was a pleasure to come back from work to find dust sheets folded and mess tidied away as much as practicable. We have no hesitation in recommending Matt for the quality and timeliness of his work. Cheers, Scarla

We've left a blue scooter behind last Monday or Tuesday at Dulwich library or Dulwich Park. Please get in touch if you've found one. Thanks a lot.

There's also a gym club at Alleyn's School.