What is an Au Pair?
Au Pair is a young single person without dependants, between the ages of 17-27 who comes to the UK to learn English, to live as a part of an English speaking family and to learn more about the English way of life. Au Pair translates as “on par” meaning "equal" and therefore au pairs are not there to be treated as a servant but on hand to help with childcare and light housework.
An Au Pair is expected to work 25-35 hours a week and must be given a minimum of £65 a week. He/she is also entitled to their own bedroom, full board and a minimum of two weeks paid holiday year.
Examples of au pair duties are general childcare, preparing the children's meals, helping with homework, tiding up after children and generally being there for them through out the day. Most au pairs will have basic experience in taking care of children but families must realise that au pairs are not qualified nannies.
The au pair should be given at least two full days a week off and should also be given free time to attend English classes and of course time to socialise with other au pairs and friends.
Au Pairs are an excellent solution for busy families who want to enrich their children's lives with a different culture as well as building a long lasting friendship.
