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.

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.

Do I need to apply for a Visa?
If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or if you are a British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen or a British National (Overseas) then you may Apply via the Youth Mobility Scheme. If you are a citizen of the EU then you do not need to apply for a visa. Have a read of our Visa Guideline.

Can I decide which city I can stay in?
Yes, we have families all over the UK looking for Au pairs.

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

How long is the Au pair programme?
The maximum an Au pair can stay is 2 years. However, if you do not need a visa then you may stay as long as the law allows you to do so.

Travel Costs
The Au pair is responsible for their cost of travel to the UK. As the host family, it is your responsibility to collect them from their port of arrival. If you are unable to collect the Au pair then you should help them to find alternative transport, such as train, coach, bus or taxi to your residence. The cost of travel from the airport to your residence must be paid by the host family either in advance to the Au pair or on their arrival.

Driving
If you wish to drive or are expected to drive by the host family please check that your driving licence is valid in the UK. You must make sure that the host family has insured to drive their vehicle.

Holidays
An Au pair, Au pair plus and mothers help should be given a minimum of 2 weeks paid annual leave.

Can I move to another host family?
Yes, it is possible to move to another host family if things are not working out between you and the host family. We will help you find another host family if there are valid reasons for your move.

Health Insurance
If your stay is 6 months or more then you are covered by National Health Insurance Service at no cost.

Can I leave the family early and return home?
Yes, it is a difficult move and no doubt you will feel homesick and may wish to return home. What we suggest is that you think about this before you apply as you will be away from your family and friends. As with most moves everyone feels homesick to start with but with the support of the host family and other Au pairs you will feel settled in a very short period of time.

Can I use the host families phone?
Normally, when you arrive you will be allowed to use the phone to call your family to let them know that you have arrived. After that you should ask the host family if you wish to use their phone. You may wish to purchase a 'Pay as you go' sim card for your existing phone if you have for emergencies or to receive calls. There are on-line services available such as Skype, Messenger, Yahoo Talk, Google Talk etc. which are free to use and you can use these to speak to your family and friends. These services will require you to have access to a computer and internet.

Will I have access to a computer and the Internet
This is will depend on your host family and you must clarify this beforehand. You may wish to bring your own computer or laptop. please check with the host family if you will have internet access.

What if I don't want to do housework?
Most of the time light housework is required. If you are don't understand how to do certain things then you should ask the family and they will be happy to explain. If you don't want to do any housework at all please tick the appropriate box in your profile but be warned that you may have a tough time finding a family.

Can I study in my spare time?
Your spare time is yours and you may carry out any activities you may wish to do so. The host family can help you to find the nearest college that offers the course you are interested in. It is highly recommended that you find out about colleges and courses before accepting a placement with a host family.

Will there be other Au pairs around where I am?
This will depend on where you are. Most of the time there are Au pairs around the area you live and they have get togethers and social events to share experiences.

Do I have to register with the police?
If there is a stamp in your passport stating that the holder of the passport must be registered with the police. You must register within seven days of your arrival in the United Kingdom.

We are a couple, can you help us find a family?
Sometimes we do get requests for an Au pair couple and these will be listed on our site. The duties for the male Au pair will be different, such as gardening or handy work.

Do you place Male Au pairs?
Sometimes we do get requests for Male Au pairs and these will be listed on our site. The duties for the male Au pair will be different, such as gardening or handy work.

I have an emergency what do I do?
We hope all issues can be resolved with the host family in an amicable fashion. However, if you have a REAL emergency please contact us using the phone number we provided you with when your placement started. If you have lost the emergency number then please use our contact form to contact us and we will be in touch as soon as possible.