What is an Au Pair?
Are you looking to become an Au Pair and wondering what it involves? Or are you a family seeking an Au Pair and want to find out a bit more?
An Au Pair is a young person between 18 and 30 years who would like to travel to the United Kingdom to live with a family to improve their English and learn about British culture.
To do so she (or sometimes he) helps a host family to look after their children and helps with light household duties. In return, the Au Pair becomes a member of the family. The Au Pair should have her own bedroom, privacy, food and pocket money.
For how long can an Au Pair stay?
Au Pairs will usually stay with a family for a period between 6 months and two years. However, it is also possible for Au Pairs to come for a shorter period, for example on a Summer placement (usually 3 months).
What is the difference between an Au Pair and an Au Pair Plus?
There are two types of Au Pairs. The main difference is the number of working hours (and therefore also the level of pocket money) per week.
An Au Pair is expected to work approximately 25 hours per week with up to two evenings babysitting each week. How the working hours are spread out over the week is up to the family and the Au Pair to agree. Generally, it might be five hours per day for five days a week with 2 full days off, with at least one of the days off in the weekend.
An Au Pair Plus is expected to work up to 35 hours per week with up to two evenings babysitting each week. Again it is up to the family and the Au Pair to agree the actual working hours .
What will the hours be, how much can an Au Pair/Au Pair Plus expect to earn and what is the holiday entitlement?
An Au Pair works approximately 25 hours per week. Generally, this will be 5 hours per day, 5 days per week with up to two evenings babysitting per week. The recommended pay is between £65 and £75 per week, depending on hours and location.
An Au Pair Plus usually works more hours, e.g. up to 35 hours per week. This could be 6 hours per day, 5 days per week with up to two evenings babysitting per week. The recommended pay is between £75-£100 per week, depending on hours and location.
In both cases, for every 6 months worked an Au Pair has the right to have one week’s paid holiday and for a one year placement 2 weeks’ paid holiday. Also, if the Au Pair wants additional holiday, for example to go home for Christmas, she will need to agree this with the host family. We recommend that holidays are agreed upon at the time of finalising the placement.
Who pays for the Au Pairs travel costs to the UK and to return home?
Can an Au Pair attend language classes?
An Au Pair should be given the opportunity to study languages. One of the main reasons for Au Pairs to come to Britain is to improve their English.
Who pays for language classes and travel costs?
The Au Pair pays for language classes and travel costs to classes. However, in rural areas families often offer to contribute to travel costs.
Can an Au Pair be given sole care of a baby or child up to two years?
No, an Au Pair should not have sole charge of a child below the age of two years. However, an Au Pair could provide an extra pair of hands to a mother or father who is looking after a child under two years.
Is an Au Pair an employee?
No, an Au Pair becomes a member of your family. She is not your employee and generally speaking if you pay between £65 and £100 you would not be expected to pay National Insurance contributions and she would not have to pay tax. This situation can change if she has other jobs apart from being your Au Pair. Au Pairs do not receive wages and are not treated as regular workers, unlike for example nannies or housekeepers. Please also note that an Au Pair is also not an employee of Goodaupairs.