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Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are We?
We are an Au Pair agency, based in the Heart of England, in historic Stratford-upon-Avon, specialising in the placement of au pairs. Link to: who are we?
What is an au pair and what do they do?
For detailed information please click on the following link: what is an au pair?
What kind of duties will I be expected to do?
An au pair is expected to work an average of 5 hours a day 5 days per week (or 25 hours per week). The main duties will be helping with childcare as well as light housework and a couple of evenings babysitting a week. You should be given two days off a week. The kinds of things you may be asked to do could include the following:
Helping look after children
Taking and collecting older children from school
Making children's beds
Keeping rooms tidy
General laundry
Ironing
Cleaning
Babysitting
Which countries do the Au Pairs come from?
Au Pairs can come from any country participating in the UK's au pair scheme or any of the EC countries. You can find more information by clicking on the following link: what is an au pair? page
Do I need a visa or work permit?
Perhaps. Applicants from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Turkey and Bosnia must obtain a visa from the local British consulate before travelling to the UK. It is their responsibility to do this, but it is highly advisable for you to also check that they have done so, that it is valid and that you have seen a copy. All other permitted non-EU applicants will receive a visa at the point of entry to the UK if they are in receipt of a letter of invitation from the host family. If you need more information on this topic, you can find it by visiting the Home Office website via the following link: government visas
Is there a limit to how long an au pair can stay?
Yes. An au pair can stay in the country working as an au pair for up to two years, so long as they comply with Home Office rules. There is no minimum length of stay but most families are looking for help for three months to two years. You can check current legislation by clicking the following link: home office rules.
For general information on Immigration for visitors to the UK please click on the following link: www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Do I have to go through an agency to find a family?
No, it is possible to liase directly with a family. However, by choosing to go through a reputable agency, you are choosing a safer, more secure route for finding an appropriate family. Agencies will interview both family and au pair before they are introduced to find a suitable match and will also help make sure all the legal checks are in place. You will have help and advice at the end of a phone and if anything should not work out, there is backup from the agency.
If I want to find a family, what do I do?
If you would like us to work on your behalf to find a suitable position, simply click on Registration Page for au pairs and fill in the online form. Alternatively, you can call us and we can take you through the procedure in person. The following link will take you directly to our registration page:registration page
Is there a charge?
No there is no charge for au pairs. We provide a free service on your behalf, and charge the family for introducing you to them.
Is the Information I give confidential?
Yes. Files on both au pairs and families are confidential and will not be divulged to anyone.
Will I be expected to speak good English?
Families vary enormously in their requirements for an au pair to speak English. However, they all understand that one of the principal reasons for an au pair coming to stay with a British family is in order to learn, improve or perfect his/her English. Of course, levels vary, but the best thing is always to be honest about your abilities, talk to the family beforehand to establish their needs and once in the UK, make every effort to communicate. Once here and settled in, au pairs generally pick up the language very fast, particularly if attending a language course at the same time.
Can you give me any tips for a successful relationship with the family?
Yes, by clicking on the following link, you can read some of our useful tips: useful tips page
Will I be able to call home?
Most families will allow you a quick call home when you arrive to notify your family that you are safe. Thereafter, it is by personal negotiation with the host family. A short call home every so often, say, perhaps once every two weeks for five minutes, might be reasonable. Or a cheaper option might be to ask if you may use a computer to email. However, discretion and respect are the important things to bear in mind. Calls abroad are expensive and no one will be happy with regular calls to chat for hours to friends and family. If you like to stay in touch, then use your own mobile phone, or if a computer is unavailable to you, many towns will have Internet access at the local library, college or Internet café where you can email.
Will I have to pay for anything once I'm here?
You will receive a weekly amount of 'pocket money' from the host family (see pay), the exact amount of which is settled prior to you accepting the position offered. The average weekly amount is around £55.00 per week and out of this you will be expected to pay for your own socializing when off-duty, and your own personal effects (e.g. cosmetics etc). Don't forget that the family is also paying your board and lodging which makes the expense to them much more than the £55.00 you might be getting in cash. Try to be appreciative of this fact and don't take it for granted. However, if the family invite you to accompany them on a trip out, then they will generally pay for you. As a safety net, it is always wise to bring some money with you when you come in case of 'emergencies'.
Can I drive in the UK?
You cannot drive unless you have a current driving licence, valid in the UK. There are different rules for people holding licenses from other countries and you should check requirements before you travel. Licences issued in other EEA (European Economic Area) countries can normally be used within the UK. If you come from outside the EEA, you may be able to drive for up to 12 months if you obtain an international driving permit before coming to the UK, or if you are already in the UK you may be able to exchange the licence obtained in your country for a British one. If you are from outside the EEA and you stay in the UK for more than 12 months, you will normally need to take a driving test to obtain a UK driving licence.
For more information contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency): www.dvla.gov.uk You can obtain application forms from UK post offices.
The Highway Code sets out the rules for driving in the UK. If you take a driving test in the UK you will be asked questions about these rules. If you have an international driving licence you may still want to review this book before driving in the UK.
Will I be able to attend language classes?
Yes, learning a new language is a large part of the experience of being an Au Pair, and often how new friends are made. Your host family will be aware that you will probably wish to go to a school and should assist you in this.
What happens if things go wrong?
In almost all cases, things run very smoothly, with both au pair and family enjoying the experience and often making life-long friends. However, occasionally there may be a problem. Most can be ironed out with help and advice but if, after genuine effort on both parties, the situation is not working, then Avon Au Pairs will make every effort to find an alternative family for you.
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what is an au pair