Call free on:
0800 980 9696
or
01795 886475
Go to Nannies
(www.peterpannannies.co.uk)
Au pair general info
Contact us
Au pair’ literally means ‘on par’ or equal. Au pairs are international visitors who travel to the United Kingdom to live with a family so that they can learn English and acquire a better understanding and appreciation of the British way of life. They become full-fledged family members, sharing a cultural exchange experience, which often leads to a lasting relationship with the host family.
The Au pair
The au pair should be treated as a member of your family and is male or female usually aged 18 – 27years.
Expected to spend between 6 months to 2 years with a family.
Some are drivers, but we encourage you to give them some lessons to ascertain their level and to get them used to driving in the UK.
Au pairs should be allowed to attend English classes. This varies from one session a week to daily attendance depending on the college in your area and the times in the day that you need him/her to work.
An au pair will work 25 hours per week and will do two evenings of babysitting each week. They usually work 5 hours per day, five days per week with 2 days off. Exactly how the 25 hrs are spread across the week is down to you to negotiate with the au pair.
He/she would expect pocket money of £70 per week, all the food they need and their own bedroom.
An au pair plus can work 35 hours and would expect £90 per week.
He/she will assist with light housework and will help with the children. It should be noted that the experience an au pair has with looking after children can be limited and that they are not trained in childcare.
They are adults and are allowed to spend their free time as they choose unless it has a negative effect on their help around the house or their time with you.
Subject to nationality, some may need to register at a police station within the first few weeks of being in the UK – this will be stamped in their passport and is normal practice.
Some families offer to contribute to English lessons or in some cases pay for them outright – obviously this would depend on if they are particularly expensive or if you feel you need to make an extra effort to keep them happy or where you are quite rural.
If a bus or car journey is necessary to attend English classes, a contribution to travel costs is expected.
The au pair will pay for their own travel arrangements to and from the UK.
The Au pair is not
The au pair IS NOT an employee or a professionally trained cleaner, domestic help, child minder or Nanny. They are not capable of running an entire household when parents are absent for business or personal travel. Responsibility for the welfare of children always remains the responsibility of the parents.
Please go to Au pair general info to find out more about Au pair.
Host Family info
(• What is an au pair | • Why Peter Pan | • Placement process | • Fees
• General advice | • Registration | • Terms & conditions)
Peter Pan Homepage | Au pair info | Partner Agency info
Go to Nannies (www.peterpannannies.co.uk) | Au pair general info
Contact us