1. Any citizen of the E.U. irrespective of sex or age.
2. Any unmarried non-European, aged 17-27, from a list of countries defined by the Home Office. An Au-Pair may be either male or female.
What is an au-pair plus? (E.U. applicants only) An au-pair plus has the same housework and babysitting duties as an au-pair. In addition he/she assists with the children for two of three afternoons per week for a period of three hours per afternoon. It must be remembered that an au-pair plus is not a trained childminder. No extra housework should be done in the afternoon. |
 |
What are the
au-pair's duties?
They are:-
1. To help with everyday housework, e.g. making beds, the washing and ironing, vacuuming, clearing away and washing up after meals.
2. To baby-sit.
An au-pair is
not a trained nanny, housekeeper or domestic and should not be left
in sole charge of infants for extended periods of time.
What are the permitted hours of work?
Based on a five day working week:-
| Daily |
Afternoon
|
Week
Total |
|
| Au-Pair |
5 |
none |
25 |
| Au-Pair
Plus |
5 |
2-3 |
31-34 |
The total
number of hours must not exceed. Many families give the applicant
free weekends. however one of the free days should be at the weekend.
The two free days need not be consecutive. Some families may want
their au-pair to split their working hours between early morning and
late afternoon, or to have free mornings and only work in the afternoon.
This is acceptable provided that the au-pair has been so advised in
the letter of invitation and has agreed. Split hours should never
prohibit the au-pair from attending language classes.
Baby-Sitting
In accordance with the Home Office guidelines, au-pairs should not
baby-sit for more than two evenings a week. Au-pairs plus' may baby-sit
for three evenings a week.
Free time
All au-pairs entitled to unencumbered free time. They are entitled
to two full free days per week. These must be twenty four hour periods,
which should not be cancelled or altered other than in a dire emergency.
Holiday pay
All au-pairs should receive one week's paid holiday after an initial
six month stay, and two weeks' paid holiday after a year. Au-pairs
are entitled to be free on all public holidays without loss of pocket
money.
What are the rates of pocket money per week?
| Au-pair | £65
|
| Au-pair Plus | £85
|
 |
 |
Many applicants are away
from home, alone for the first time. For many of them the language is
the first barrier to overcome. They also have to adapt to a different
culture, environment, diet and routine. Initially they may be homesick,
please allow for this.
Should you leave your au-pair in charge of your children, it is advisable
to discuss, beforehand, the extent of his/her authority over them.
Every applicant must have his/her own bedroom.
All applicants are entitled to eat their meals with the host family
even on their free days. They are expected to help clear the dishes
after the meal.
Mutual understanding and co-operation between the au-pair and the host
family is essential for a successful relationship.
