A Guide For Host Families

An Au pair is a foreign single man or woman that is aged between 18 and 27 that wishes to come to England and stay with a family to improve their English. While living with the family they are expected to help with domestic duties, also with the children in the family. All the au pairs we place would have relevant childcare experience. Before arrival the applicant must provide for Freedom Childcare services an open letter of introduction to prospective host families, it is written in English and outlines their interests and contribution to the potential host family. They also have to provide two references a police check a medical declaration and a photograph.

Au Pairs

Should work for no more than 25 Hours per week over 5 days, plus two evenings of baby-sitting. Au pairs get paid pocket money of no less than £50 per week. Any additional hours should be paid at £2.75 per hour.

Holiday Au Pairs

Usually work during the School Summer Holidays for a period of 6-8 weeks. There may not be a chance to provide English classes during this period however all other rules apply.

Au pair Plus

This arrangement is often required by families that have two working parents or by single parents. The au pair would be asked to perform a variety of tasks including housework and cooking and would work between 26 and 35 hours. The average weekly pay would be £55-£80 depending on the numbers and ages of the children and the duties required. Any additional hours should be paid at £2.75 per hour.

Relationship Between Host Family and the Au pair.

There is no contract involved in an Au pair arrangement, however both parties must sign to say they have read, fully understand and will adhere to the guides we produce. An au pair should be treated as one of the family and not as a hired help. Their great advantage to families is their flexibility and that they cost far less than standard childcare and domestic help. For these reasons the Au pair needs to be treated with consideration and flexibility to pursue their aims.

They must in all cases be provided with their own room that should be treated as private. (Free from the intrusions of children). The room should be comfortable and equipped with a bed, desk and chair, wardrobe, chest of drawers and possibly a television. These facilities give the Au pair a space to be able to study, be private and to watch T.V. programs of their choice. The T.V. is an invaluable tool for learning English.

In addition time should be spent talking to your Au pair, it is important to introduce your Au Pair to people of their own age. Find out what your Au Pair enjoys doing and try and find the contact and resources to enable him/her to pursue their hobbies/interests. Taking your Au pair on family days out is also important and will be reciprocated with goodwill.

Driving

If it is essential for your Au pair to drive, remember it is unlikely that they are experienced at driving in England . You are advised therefore to pay for some lessons with your local school preferably in your car. Petrol must be provided for use on duty but the Au pair would pay for personal petrol use. It is also necessary for you to adjust your insurance to include your Au Pair. The admission on the application form that the Au pair has a driving license does not guarantee her suitability to drive in England .

English Classes

One of the major reasons for coming to England is to improve their English, and they usually wish to take English classes, often with a view to sitting exams. You should make enquiries at the college before your Au pair arrives. Many families like to make a contribution to the class fees; these are usually payable in advance.

National Insurance & Health

Holidays

An Au pair often appreciates the chance to return home for one week at Christmas or New Year. If she has been with you for less than six months this will be unpaid leave. When an Au pair has been with you for six months or more four weeks should be mutually agreed and be paid leave.

Travel

Au pairs are responsible for the travel to central London or another point of arrival. From this point on both payment and arrangements are the Host families' responsibility. This means if you cannot meet them you should arrange either taxis or another form of transport. The details of travel arrangements should be confirmed with the Au pair in writing A.S.A.P.

24 Hours before their arrival please confirm by telephone with your Au pair their arrival details.

Action points for Choosing and accepting an au pair

•  Return application form and deposit to Freedom A.S.A.P.

•  Let Freedom know as soon as you have selected an au pair from the applications sent to you.

•  Once you have selected we will arrange a telephone conversation between you and the au pair for an introductory chat.

•  You will need to send a letter of invitation for your au pair to Freedom with the agency fee. The letter should include a description of the family and setting, a description of the duties expected of the au pair, working hours and pay.

We will confirm your chosen au pair.

•  When your chosen au pair is confirmed more definitive arrangements between you and your au pair can proceed, including travel.

•  Confirm travel arrangements with your au pair no later than 24 hours before arrival. •  When you need to replace your au pair we can offer you a 10% discount.

Please record the dates that all of the above action points took place.