An Au pair is a single person, aged 17-27, who comes to the UK to improve their English and live as part of an English speaking family for up to 2 years.

In return for helping around the house and assisting with basic childcare they receive pocket money of £55 per week for 25 hours help and 1-2 nights babysitting as recommended by the Home Office. Usually a few extra hours help can be agreed between the Host Family and Au pair. The Au pair must have their own bedroom and all meals provided. The length of time an Au pair stays with you can be from 1 to 24 Months.
Au pairs come from either an EU country or from some none EU countries:

No visa required: Andorra, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland

Au pair visa required before travel: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Republic of Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Turkey   For further information click on the Home Office link here.

European Economic Area nationals are not included in the official Au pair scheme; but they are free to come to the United Kingdom as Au pairs.

The length of time for a visa to be granted can vary but is usually a week or so. We at Aupair2u will provide both parties with support in this process ensuring it is completed without fuss or delay. Au pairs that require a visa can only work 25 hours per week.

Cultural Exchange

In the U.K. there has been a scheme in place for over 50 years designed to offer an Au pair the opportunity to have this cultural exchange and for both the Host Family and Au pair to share in the rewards of this. One of the main goals for the Au pair is to enhance their language skills by living in the U.K.

It can be extremely beneficial for your children also, as they will learn about other countries - their languages, cultures and food. It should be an educational experience for everybody concerned and will give your children a broader outlook on life.

What can I expect from my Au pair?

The work involved is primarily helping with children and cleaning, ironing, helping prepare food and other light housework. The Au pair must have 1-2 full days off per week, and these should be agreed in advance to allow the   Au pair to make any arrangements. The day/s off need not be the same every week. One weekend in four is guaranteed off, including the evenings, to allow for any religious attendance. Au pairs are currently entitled to one week paid holiday for every 6 months worked. This does not include the return costs to their homeland unless this has been agreed in advance between the Host Family and Au pair.

Language Development
Au pairs will usually want to study English at a local College or Business unit. Often there is little or no charge for these courses. It is the Au pairs responsibility to pay for the costs although a host family can contribute or indeed pay for the course as a “perk of the job”. Prior to having an Au pair live with you the host family should find out about availability of these lessons and any costs incurred.

What about Healthcare?  

Whilst in the UK Au pairs will usually be covered by the National Health Service and the host family should register the Au pair with the family doctor if possible especially if they are to stay longer than three months. The Au pair may have to consider private cover for dentist’s costs. This is usually cheaper to arrange in their home country and we advise of this accordingly before the Au pair leaves their home country.

How do they get here and who pays?

The Au pair will generally be expected to make their own travel arrangements to the UK, although in some cases the family may choose to reimburse this cost to the Au pair. The family will then either meet her at the point of arrival, or will have provided her with a ticket for onward transport to their home. The Au pair should have an open return ticket, and should always have enough money in reserve for an emergency.

What about driving?
If your Au pair is expected to drive in the UK they should bring their driving licence/ international driving licence. Depending on the experience of the Au-Pair the host family will arrange 'refresher' lessons with a local driving instructor to help the Au pair adapt to driving on the left etc. It should also be made clear when or if the Au pair has personal use of the car, and if so whether or not they are responsible for petrol/ car cleaning etc. The host family should add the Au pair to the insurance policy of the car, and we would suggest that the insurers of the home are also advised. Where a family request an Au pair that is willing to drive, we can usually provide these, but obviously we can not guarantee the driving skills of the Au pair.

Anything else I forgot to ask?
Telephone calls from the UK can be expensive. It should be agreed between the family and the Au pair whether or not the home phone can be used for calls, who will pay for the calls, and when they will be paid for. The Au pair can purchase a telephone card from your local newsagent which can provide an easily managed way of paying. AuPair2u can provide a prefix number that reduces the cost of calls to many European Countries. Where the family goes on holiday the Au pair should either go with the family or be allowed to stay in the family home. In either case she should still be paid and food should still be provided. 

This list is not exhaustive, so please remember we pride ourselves on taking care of both parties involved and are happy to answer any questions you may have or to help you identify any extra requirements you may have of the Au pair e.g. walk the dog. 

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