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Au Pair
The au pair programme is a cultural exchange for young European people (male and female) aged between 18 to 27 years. An au pair lives as part of the family and is expected to be made welcome as a family member. Au pairs are students and not domestic cleaners. Most meals should be taken with the family, not just with the children alone. The au pair must have his/her own bedroom, full-board, the opportunity to practice his/her languages in a family setting and attend a language school if wished. Many of our au pairs are willing to drive in the UK.
Hours of work: An au pair works for 25 - 30 hours per week (generally 5 hours per day) plus two evenings babysitting (reasonable notice should be given). The hours can be split according to the requirements of the host family. Some au pairs will help in the home for maybe three or four hours in the mornings and then return in the late afternoon to assist with bath times/mealtimes. Other families ask for help only in the mornings or only in the afternoons, and the rest of the day can be free.
Duties: Duties include light housework, cleaning, ironing, washing-up at mealtimes and helping with the children. Au pairs must not be asked to do heavy-duty chores. An au pair may be asked to take children to school, or collect them, and supervise them in a responsible manner in the absence of parents according to the instructions given.
Free time/Holidays: An au pair must have one full day free per week to include the evening and one weekend a month. Please note that families are advised to give one week’s paid holiday for every 6 months worked. Public/Bank holidays should be freetime wherever possible.
Pay and notice period: It is recommended that either party shall give to the other two week’s notice if either party wish to terminate employment. In exceptional cirumstances wages to be given in lieu of notice period. Pocket money £60 - £80 per week (proportionate to the number of hours worked)
Non-EC au pairs: Please note that there are Home Office regulations in the UK governing the placement of au pairs from outside the EC. They are only permitted to work for 25 hours a week with two full days free.