Choose the right au pair
How to choose the right au pair
An au pair can work as an au pair or au pair+. They both can be live in or out. The live out case is rare and the au pair provides their own accommodation and pays their own bills.
Au pair (live in):
- works maximum 25 hours/week and a maximum of 2 evenings babysitting for minimum of £60/week
- have full board, own room and 2 consecutive days off
- 2 weeks of holiday / year
- normally have basic English as a minimum and a desire to improve their skills
- Can enrol o English language courses. The family will normally help to find information and locate the school. The cost of the course should be supported by the au pair, but any help to it is usually appreciated
Duties:
- childcare and babysitting
- light housework
- coking simple meals
- driving – if needed
An au pair plus works up to 40 hours per week plus 2 evenings babysitting for pocket money of up to around £100 per week.
Before your au pair arrives...
1. Find out about English courses in your area, the approximate costs
2. If you require a driver, make sure your au pair holds an International Driving License and get information about insurance
3. Find out about visas or other documents
An au pair is responsible for his/her own fare to and from the UK, to the nearest airport or London Railway Station or Coach Terminal, where the family is expected to meet him/her.
You should have some driving practice with your au pair before letting him/her drive on their own. Some families pay for some driving lessons as practice for their au pair and as a means of assessing their ability to drive.
Be clear about any restrictions on the use of the car:
• Can they use it in their free time?
• Is it only for use when working for the family?
• Do they provide receipts or get a weekly allowance for petrol?
• Are they allowed to give lifts to friends?
How to choose the right au pair
An au pair can work as an au pair or au pair+. They both can be live in or out. The live out case is rare and the au pair provides their own accommodation and pays their own bills.
Au pair (live in):
- works maximum 25 hours/week and a maximum of 2 evenings babysitting for minimum of £60/week
- have full board, own room and 2 consecutive days off
- 2 weeks of holiday / year
- normally have basic English as a minimum and a desire to improve their skills
- Can enrol o English language courses. The family will normally help to find information and locate the school. The cost of the course should be supported by the au pair, but any help to it is usually appreciated
Duties:
- childcare and babysitting
- light housework
- coking simple meals
- driving – if needed
An au pair plus works up to 40 hours per week plus 2 evenings babysitting for pocket money of up to around £100 per week.
Before your au pair arrives...
1. Find out about English courses in your area, the approximate costs
2. If you require a driver, make sure your au pair holds an International Driving License and get information about insurance
3. Find out about visas or other documents
An au pair is responsible for his/her own fare to and from the UK, to the nearest airport or London Railway Station or Coach Terminal, where the family is expected to meet him/her.
You should have some driving practice with your au pair before letting him/her drive on their own. Some families pay for some driving lessons as practice for their au pair and as a means of assessing their ability to drive.
Be clear about any restrictions on the use of the car:
• Can they use it in their free time?
• Is it only for use when working for the family?
• Do they provide receipts or get a weekly allowance for petrol?
• Are they allowed to give lifts to friends?
