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What is an au pair?
An Au Pair is a single, unmarried person, without dependents, aged between 17 and 27 (inclusive) who comes to the UK to study English and learn about the British culture. If from the EU, there is no specific age limit. Usually female (although more males are now applying to become Au Pairs), Au Pairs live as part of a host family and in exchange for bed, board and a weekly allowance, perform general duties around the house. This mainly involves helping with childcare, some light housework, preparing meals and babysitting.
Au Pairs can live for up to two years as a member of an English speaking family. The minimum stay is two months - which is usually a summer placement although the majority of Au Pairs tend to stay for 12 months or more.
An Au Pair should be treated as one of the family. Honest, open communication is important, as is consideration for their needs and flexibility on both sides. It is important to share in the social life of your family wherever invited to do so.
Types of Au Pair
Standard Au Pair - works for a maximum of 5 hours per day, 5 days per week (or up to 25 hours per week) plus two nights per week babysitting. Two full days must be allowed off per week.
Au Pair Plus - works for between 26-35 hours per week plus two nights per week babysitting. One full day must be allowed off per week. Only EU citizens can work as an Au Pair Plus.
Your host family in your letter of invitation will confirm individual requirements in writing.
Working & Time Off
FLEXIBILITY is vital. Work with your family and their schedule. Plan in advance when you can. If you are doing a good job and the family is happy with you, they will try to be flexible as well.
Reading, studying, letter writing, hair washing etc, should be done in your free time. You should NOT read a book while you are looking after children and it is vital to ALWAYS keep your eye on them.
Cost
UK guidelines as to how much you are paid suggest £55.00 (GB POUNDS) per week for a Standard Au Pair and £75-£80 per week for an Au Pair Plus. Payment is often called 'pocket money' as the Au Pair is working as part of a government cultural programme rather then a migrant worker. National Insurance payments by the family on your behalf are therefore not necessary. However, the cost to the family also includes food and occasional family trips as well as any additional costs incurred as part of the Au Pair's duties for the family, so the Au Pair should remember this.
Au Pairs should be paid weekly, preferably in cash, unless agreed otherwise.
Experience
We do point out to families that an Au Pair is NOT a cheap substitute for a nanny, and although often employed to help look after children, they are not expected to have any formal childcare qualifications. An Au Pair should NEVER be left in sole charge of a child under the age of three.
Avon Au Pair Agency requests that all potential Au Pair applicants must provide a detailed application form outlining their experiences, interests and proposed contribution to the family plus a letter of introduction, photographs, medical certificates and two references. We will generate the process of application if you are applying directly to us, or liase with your home country agency. All of these will be shown to the potential host family.
Holidays
Au Pairs can live for up to two years as a member of the host family and should be permitted one weeks paid holiday every six months. We do advise families that most Au Pairs appreciate the opportunity to go home for Christmas and New Year, but this will be at the discretion of the family and by mutual agreement.
English Language Tuition
Many Au Pairs want to visit Britain because they wish to improve their language skills. And certainly, whilst you are in the UK you should take the opportunity to study English as a foreign language. These classes are held at Colleges and Language Schools in most major towns and cities in the UK. Your family will be aware that you will need to take lessons during your free time. You are responsible for the cost of your own language classes although some families will pay something towards them or will assist in the advance payment of courses, reclaiming the money on a weekly basis from the pocket money paid to you by them. This would be by mutual agreement.
School is also a great way to meet other Au Pairs and network with new friends.
Au Pairs who can drive
If you are able to drive and have a current and valid driving licence, please indicate this on your application form, or make sure you tell us, as many families see this as a bonus. However, please be honest about your experience and abilities! You need to be fully acquainted with the British Highway Code (see Useful Links for more information) and don't forget, in Britain we drive on the left side of the road! It is the responsibility of the host family to insure you for use of their car and to provide fuel when on duty. If the family allows use of the car when off duty, the Au Pair should pay for her own fuel accordingly.
Travel Arrangements
Au Pairs are responsible for paying for their own travel from their home country to their first major UK destination e.g. London Airports, London Bus Station, Regional Airports etc. It is the responsibility of the family to then either meet you at this initial destination or to pay for the onward journey to your host family's home town, and to meet you there at the agreed time. When liasing with the family, please be very clear about your travel arrangements and don't make any changes unless you have notified everyone.
Insurance and Health
Au Pairs from EC countries should be eligible for NHS healthcare. Non-EC citizens may be eligible for NHS treatment but some GP surgeries may make a small charge. We recommend that you check what insurance, if any, you have and let both Avon Au Pairs and the host family know. Host families are not responsible for paying for medical treatment for you, however they must continue to provide accommodation and food for you, should you become ill.
Becoming an Au Pair
If you would like to apply to be an Au Pair with Avon Au Pair Agency it is important that you first read and understand what is expected of an Au Pair working in the UK. Once you have done this, please fill in the application form here ONLINE REGISTRATION and return it to us with the following details:
- A 'Dear Family' letter outlining your experiences, hobbies and why you want to be their Au Pair. LINK TO SAMPLE LETTER.
- 2 passport sized photographs (please smile!)
- 2 written references detailing your experience and addressed and signed by your referee. Please ensure that these are written in English for the family to understand.
- Medical certificate / signed and dated statement from your doctor that you are fit and healthy to travel and look after children.
- 2 copies of any childcare and first aid certificate you may have.
- 2 copies of relevant visas/entry requirements to the UK, if needed.
- 2 copies of your driving licence, if applicable.
- If you are already in the UK please provide 2 copies of your passport showing your entry visa stamp on your passport and your passport details.
- Your completed Avon Au Pair application form.
You can send this information to us in the following ways:
By post to:
Avon Au Pair Agency
72 Shipston Road
Stratford Upon Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 7LR
U.K.
By email to:
Avonaupairs@ntlword.com
(please scan in all your details and email them along with your signed application form). If you are sending this way, only one copy of all the above details will be required.
Please ensure that you include everything on the above list to enable us to find you a suitable family as soon as possible.
Caring for the child/children
Childcare is probably the main role for an Au Pair and often what families need most help with. It is therefore essential that you genuinely like children, and enjoy being with them. We cannot stress this enough. If you are unsure about this aspect of your work, you should re-consider your options as otherwise the experience could be an unhappy one for all concerned.
One of your main duties is likely to be taking the children to and from school/nursery, and staying with them until a parent comes home after work. Ensure that you do things with the children - have fun and be creative - most families will appreciate some initiative in this, as will the children! Plan activities and make the time you spend with them interesting for you and the children. You will find that you build a rapport far quicker if you work at their level and do the things that they enjoy doing.
Whether the parents stay at home or not, during your working hours you are "on duty". Be very safety conscious. It is a huge responsibility to care for other people's children. Never under estimate this and ensure that you are attentive to the children and know where they are at all times. Be patient and think about how you would like to manage the children in a friendly, caring, patient and happy way.
Remember that it may take time to build and establish a rapport with the children. It could take a few weeks for things to settle down and for you to get to know one another. Most of all mix with the children as much as you can, play and have fun and you will soon find that they enjoy having you around and you will enjoy being with them.
Household Duties
The Au Pair is responsible for light housekeeping. This is likely to include the following jobs:
General laundry
Ironing
Cleaning
Hoovering
Tidying
Washing up / loading & unloading the dishwasher
Making beds
Putting away children's clothes
We advise the host families to be clear about what it is they need you to do, but for your part, make sure you know what the family expects you to do and regularly ask the family if they are happy with your work. Remember to be willing to help and to do things without always being asked. This will be much appreciated by your family. If your family has asked you to do something, make sure it gets done. Remember also that you are responsible for keeping your bedroom (and bathroom) clean, neat and tidy.
Living with a Host Family
As an Au Pair you will be considered a member of the family. 'Au Pair' literally means 'on a par with' or 'equal to'. Initially you might find it difficult to integrate, so make an effort to get involved and be interested in the family. Take the opportunity to talk with them, especially at meal times. Do not be afraid of speaking in English - they should understand the need for you to communicate and they will appreciate your efforts. Be open and honest at all times. If you have any concerns, sit down and discuss them with the family. A mature, open, honest relationship and a positive attitude is usually the key to a successful Au Pair placement.
Also, be aware that the family will find it takes time to adjust to having a new person living with them in the house! Understand this and respect their need for private time together. You and they will need your own space from time to time. Learn to judge when it is necessary to give and take private time.
Social Life
You will find that it is important for you to make new friends. Be bold and introduce yourself to people at school. Ask your host family if they know of any other families in the area with Au Pairs and make contact with them. They are usually very pleased to hear from other Au Pairs in the area and are keen to meet up. You could also ask the language tutors at school who may well be able to link you up with other foreign students.
When you make new friends, respect your family and do not socialise too late at night if you are working the next day. You family will need you to be fresh and attentive to the children and your housework and will not be happy if you are too tired. Ask your family if they will permit your friends to come to the house to visit you in your free time. It is wise not to sleep out overnight except in particular circumstances and you should first discuss it with the family. It is common courtesy to tell them if you are going out and expect to return later than usual. Above all, respect their wishes.
If you are out at night, make sure someone knows where you are, always travel with friends and do not walk home alone.
Settling In
If you have never lived away from home before or have never been abroad, it is likely that you will feel homesick. Most Au Pairs will experience homesickness for the first few weeks that they are with their new family. Tell your family how you are feeling and get involved with your new family; make new friends and stay interested in what you are doing. Work through any problems that you may be experiencing and discuss them with your family. Changing host families is possible, but do not think that if you have any problems that you can just find a new family. You will have to work to make the placement a good experience. However, if you have problems that you cannot resolve with our host family direct, you should contact us.
DO NOT use the telephone to call your family or friends in your home country without the prior consent of your family. Your family should allow you to phone home at least once every two weeks for five minutes, but this will be at their discretion. If you wish to speak longer on the telephone, buy a phone card or ask your family to call you.
Ask your family where your nearest Internet café or library is and email rather than telephone if you can … it is a lot cheaper! Most colleges and libraries offer free Internet access to students so find out about this as soon as you arrive. Alternatively, you can text home using your own mobile phone.
Your Agent - Avon Au Pair Agency
We are here to help you in any way we can. Please do not forget this. It is important that each Au Pair understands what is expected from them; this will help to minimise problems and make the experience a positive one for everyone involved. When you have read and understood this page please click below to find out how to apply to be an Avon Au Pair. FIND ME A FAMILY.
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what is an au pair