There is no such laws about au pairs and live in nannies.
But a traditional au pair is supposed a foreigner who works 25 hours a week and does not have sole charge of children under the age of 2. The au pair is paid 'pocket money' and the family is supposed to pay for english school for the au pair.

If your budget is small, then you could look at hiring a junior nanny, someone that has either just qualified as a nanny, or has au paired for a couple of years so has some experience.

You could also look into doing a nannyshare.

HI everyone,

I'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice on Au Pairs. I have a child that is under 1 and I'm due to go back to work soon. I'm thinking of getting an Au Pair as I have one hour a day between the time I leave to go to work and her nursery opens. I have heard, however, that it is illegal to leave an au pair in sole charge of a baby under one. Has anyone else ever heard this?

Thanks in advance or know if there is a law on this subject,
FT