Aupair Plus: Information
for Families
What is an au
pair?
An
au pair is a single girl (or boy) who helps a host family with
childcare and/or housework while staying as a guest with a host
family and generally receiving a small allowance or pocket
money. An au pair is usually aged between 17 and 27 years of age
but some are older.
The au pair's relationship with
her host family.
She should be provided with
free room, board and pocket money. She has her own room with
facility to study and is allowed free time each day at a time
which is mutually convenient. It is essential that she is given
consideration and respect and is treated as a member of the
family. She should take her meals with the family and be invited
to share in recreational pursuits whenever possible. An Au-Pair
is not a qualified nanny nor domestic servant.
She should receive full
instructions before being left in sole charge of the household
or with children. During the initial period the au pair will
need time to adjust to her new environment and the family must
be patient and sympathetic in order to build up a good
relationship.
An au pair's duties.
The au pair should be given
full information about the family and her duties before she
leaves her country to avoid any confusion. She is expected to
help with the housework and the care of the children. Some
training may be necessary initially.
An au pair's working hours.
Au pairs usually work 25 to 35
hours per week (but some may agree to do more for extra pocket
money). Also you can expect 1 or 2 evenings baby-sitting a week
providing it does not clash with any language classes. Baby
sitting during the day is regarded as working time so any
additional hours must be paid by agreement between those parties
concerned.
Free time.
She should be given at least
one and preferably two full days per week, plus free time during
the day and some evenings, to allow her to attend classes and
socialize with friends. It is important that she be encouraged
to make friends as soon as possible because sometimes an au pair
can feel lonely in your country at first.
Allowance.
This amount is at the
discretion of the host family but should be at least
£55 per week
for a 25 hour week in the UK.
Language classes.
The cost of attending language
classes is the responsibility of the au pair (except in USA).
The family should help to find a suitable course and assist with
the enrolment.
Travel.
Au pairs are responsible for their own travel expenses to your
country, however it is understood if the host family cannot
collect the au pair from the arrival point of their entry into
your country that the host will pre book and pay for their
travel ticket to the town where they will be au pairing.
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