What is an Au-pair
The au pair programme is a cultural exchange programme and not a contract or work. Au pairs must be welcomed as a member of the family. Traditionally, an au pair is aged 17 – 27, however an au pair without visa requirements (from EU) can also be older.

Hours on duty
Au pairs can be on duty from 25 – 35 hours per week if they are from an EU country. This is limited to 25 hours per week if the au pair is from Bulgaria or Romania. These hours can be spread out over 5 days per week. Longer hours are usually referred to as ‘au pair plus’ and a Mothers Help will look after children under 2 years of age.

Au pair Hours/Pocket Money
25-30 hours per week
Baby Sitting for 2 evenings
2 Free days per week and 3 evenings
No sole care for under 2's
We recommend from £70 for up to 25 hours and from £85 for 30 hours

Au pair Plus Hours/Pocket Money
30-35 hours per week
Baby Sitting for 2 evenings
2 Free days per week and 3 evenings
No sole care for under 2's
We recommend from £90 for up to 30 hours and from £105 for 35 hours

Mothers Help Hours/Pocket Money
35+ hours per week
Baby Sitting for 2 evenings
1 Free day per week and 3 evenings
Sole charge for younger children and can work for longer hours
We recommend from £100 for 25 hours, from £120 for 30 hours. from £150 for 40 hours

Nanny/Carer Salary
The salary of a Nanny or a carer will depend on experience and number of hours worked.

Holidays
The Au pair is entitle to a minimum of 2 weeks paid annual leave. The Au pair should not be forced to take their holidays when the family does.

Bank Holidays
It is advisable that the Au pair be given these days as free days.

Religious Holidays
If your Au pair celebrates religious holidays you should accommodate them and offer them as free days.

Insurance
EU au pairs visiting the UK do not need additional health insurance as they are entitled to use the National Health Service. The au pair may also wish to take out additional travel insurance to cover loss of belongings.

Accommodation
The host family must provide accommodation for the Au pair together with meals. They should not be asked to share a room with the children and the room must have natural light and facilities for them to study.

What kind of Housework can an Au pair do?
Au pairs should only do light housework which includes

• Washing dishes, including loading and unloading dishwasher
• Preparing simple meals for children
• Keeping kitchen tidy and clean, including sweeping and mopping floors
• Loading and unloading laundry into washing machine
• Ironing for children
• Putting washed clothes away
• Vacuum
• Dusting
• Making and changing children’s beds
• Cleaning children’s bathroom
• Everything to do with keeping their own room/bathroom clean and tidy
• Light shopping (not the entire household shopping)
• Walking and feeding pets
• Emptying bins

What kind of work is an Au pair not be expected to do?
Au pairs should not be asked to do the following housework unless they have chosen to do so or agreed in advance to do

• Gardening
• Window cleaning
• Spring cleaning
• Cleaning the oven, other than simple wiping out
• Washing carpets
• Washing the car
• Weekly shopping
• Pet training
• Clearing up after untrained pets
• Making parents bed*
• Ironing for parents
• Cleaning parents’ en-suite bathroom
• Polishing silver and brass ware
• Cooking the family meal, unless the au pair enjoys cooking and has chosen to do this for the family

Can a single parent family participate in the Au pair Programme?
The Au pair programme is open to single parent families too.

I have a disabled child, can I participate in the Au pair programme?
As long as you are able to meet the requirements of a host family, you can participate in the Au pair programme. You will need to specify that you have a disabled child in order to find an Au pair who is willing to join your family.

If I am not happy with the Au pair, can I change my Au pair?
If for any reason you wish to terminate the agreement with the Au pair, you must give the Au pair 2 weeks written notice and must also inform us at the same time. This will allow us to find another host family for your Au pair. If our terms and conditions have not been violated then we will be able to help you find another Au pair. Please note: We wish to make yo aware that the Au pair has travelled away from their family and as such will take time to adjust to your family. Therefore, you must try to make them feel welcome and part of your family. Before you give the Au pair notice of termination, it may be a good idea to speak to us in case we can help resolve any issues.

How long does it take to find an Au pair?
This process depends on your requirements. Normally, we can find an Au pair for your family within 4-6 weeks.

Cultural Awareness
Your Au pair will most likely have come from another country and therefore will have their own cultural values. This should not be looked at in a negative way, rather it will allow you and your children to learn a new culture as your Au pair will get to know your culture. In order to encourage this cultural exchange we encourage you to explain your culture to the Au pair and ask them about their culture. There may be some points either of you don't like or understand but each others culture but you need to respect each others feelings.

Where are the Au pairs from?
Our Au pairs come from various conteries, including France, Germany, Hungary and even the UK.

UK Tax and National Insurance
If the pocket money is less then £95 per week then there is no Tax or National Insurance to pay but the au pair needs to fill in a P46 form and you can hold onto it. If the pocket money is £95 or more than you need to register as an employer but no Tax or National Insurance is payable unless the amount is £110 or more. These figures reflect the 2009-2010 tax year. If the au pair finds additional work which takes her income to the taxable threshold then you are responsible for registering as en employer. Please consult http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ for more information.