General information

The Au-Pair arrangement offers a good opportunity for the applicants both from Western and Eastern Europe to learn the English language, whilst living as a member of a resident English-speaking family.

An au pair must be:

• Single with no dependants
• Age between 17 and 27
• Prepared to stay at least 6 months
•  A national of the European Union using a Student Visa, or almost any country if using a Working Holiday Visa
• Coming to England to an arranged placement
• In possession of a valid passport
• Intending to stay in the UK no longer than two years as an au pair

It is also important that these au pair are:

• Trustworthy and reliable
• Someone who likes being with children
• Keen to learn English and local culture
• Capable of doing light housework

Categories of Au Pair

Au Pair  - This category can work for a maximum of 25hours a week, with 2 days completely free (these do not have to be on the weekend, but with previous arrangements with the au pair) for a minimum of £60 per week. In addition, they may do 2 evenings baby-sitting. This category can look after children of school age and is not qualified in child care. They can only look after young children (pre school) 0-3years if a parent is at home and the level of responsibility should be kept to a minimum as English is not the applicant’s first language. This is for the safety of the children

Au Pair Plus - Applicant in this category are ready to work more than 36hours a week for an increased wage. Families should pay the au pair for every hour worked over the 36hours . The minimum weekly wage is £80 but this can increase up to a minimum of £100 for 40hours work per week.

Driving
Some families may require au pair to drive, if this is the case it is important that au pairs obtain an international driving licences and get acquainted with driving on the left and with British highway Code.
Most families will provide one or two driving lessons for the au pair.
Au pair has to be clear about any restriction on the use of the car e.g. if they can use it at their free time or only used when on duty.

National Insurance
This contributions are not required for au pairs.

Healthcare
Au pairs from EC countries should be eligible for NHS health care. Non-EC citizens may also be eligible for NHS treatment, check with your GP or your relevant embassy for your rights in the UK.
All Au Pairs will be entitled to emergency hospital treatment should the need arise. Au pairs should register with the family's doctor soon after arrival.

If Au pair becomes ill, the family will have to continue to provide accommodation and food until an alternative arrangement is made.
Dental care in the UK is only partially covered by the National Health Service, and some dentists only offer private care. Dental care can be very expensive, and the au pair are advice to take out private insurance to cover this.

Relationship Between Au Pair and family
It is important that the au pair is treated as a family member. An au pair is a foreign student coming to live in this country to learn English, and all families should understand this and willing to be patient at the start as this is a very worrying time not only for you but also for your new aupair.
The success of this relationship depends a great deal on mutual respect and the willingness of both parties to adapt to individual differences

Language Tuition
Au pairs usually wish to take English lessons as this is one of the major reason they come to the UK. It is  helpful if the host families make enquiry about English classes in their  local Technical College/University before the arrival of the Au pair.
Au-Pair's are responsible for their own fees.

Holidays
For long stay au pairs, families are advised to give at least two-week paid holiday when you can – either at Christmas or Easter especially for au pairs staying more than six months. If the Au pair has been with the family less than 6 months then it is an unpaid holiday.

HOUSE RULES
Each family has different rules and priorities.  It helps if you listen and write down the things which are important e.g. who gets priority in the bathroom in the morning; what time you are expected home; who to contact in an emergency.

BABY-SITTING
In accordance with the Home Office guidelines, Au pairs and Au pair Plus may baby-sit 2 evenings per week.  If you agree to baby-sit more often or to work extra hours, a fee of at least £2.50 per hour can be expected.

FREE TIME
All applicants are entitled to two full free days each week.  You can expect this to be in two twenty four hour periods, which should not be cancelled by the family, except in an emergency. and with your agreement

SOCIAL LIFE
Ask your host family if you may bring your friends back to the house. You cannot expect to bring your friends home without permission.  Ask other au pairs in your English classes for information on local clubs etc. that may be of interest to you.  Your host family may be able to help you with this.

SMOKING
You are expected to respect your host family’s wishes with regards to smoking in their home or when you are with their children.

USE OF TELEPHONE
Do not use the host family’s telephone unless you receive their permission.  All telephone calls are itemised on the customer’s bill.  Phone cards for public telephones are available from newsagents and post offices.

TRAVEL
You are expected to pay the cost of your journey to and from your home country.  The host family will meet you at the airport on your arrival and take you to the airport on your return journey.  It is your responsibility to inform the family of your travel details.  Please ensure that travel arrangements are understood by both parties.  It is amazing how misunderstandings arise.  At the airport look out for the family holding a notice with your name written on it.

If you are a non EC national entering the UK for a period exceeding 6 months you will usually have to register with the police, the fee being approx. £35, which you are expected to pay.  The immigration officials at the airport will explain this to you.  Ask the family for help with this.

POCKET MONEY per week  

Au Pair    £60:    Au Pair Plus          £80.  These amounts may vary from family to family.

FURTHER POINTS TO REMEMBER
All meals may be taken with your host family, even on your free days.  Please be on time for meals, help to clear away the dishes if you have eaten with the family and always ask before helping yourself to extra food. When working around the house, ask, if you are not sure what to do or what is expected of you.

It is not acceptable for you to wear your night clothes around the house

Do not forget to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.  English people consider it impolite not to do so.  Remember that a smile helps to make good relationships.    Most British people take a bath or shower at least once a day. Please keep yourself and your clothes clean.  If for any reason you are unable to resolve difficulties with your host family, please telephone us and we will make every effort to mediate on your behalf.  Please do not pack your bags and leave without first speaking with us.  Your own family will be worried if you leave without a forwarding address.  Should a problem arise concerning homelessness, we will be pleased to offer advice but are unable to offer accommodation.

Au Pair Registration
To become an au pair, with Great help Agency we require the following :-

• 4 passport photographs
• 2 references – 1 to include child care if possible
• a short medical certificate
• a police report
• a letter in English to the family about yourself and your family.

To register with us as an Au-pair please click here