1. Who is eligible to become an Au Pair
2. Placements
3. Settling in
4. Pay and Conditions
5. Insurance
6. Length of Stay
7. Travel Arrangements
8. What to do if you have any problems

To be eligible an au pair must be:

• Aged between 18 and 27
• Single
• Prepared to live as part of the family
• Able to take responsibility for looking after children
• Prepared to do light housework and ironing
• Able to converse in English with at least conversational English
• Be a confident driver with a clean record, they may be asked to drive children to and from school. It may be possible for the agency to arrange for the family to help with driving lessons.

  We are happy to place au pairs from any E. U. country or from any of the following countries *:

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• Five or six hours work a day
• Two to three evenings babysitting, one of which can be at the week-end
• Two whole days free and some evenings
• Time to study or pursue other interests
• Own room, which you must keep clean and tidy
• Meals provided
• Pocket money of about £50 per week (be agreed with the family in advance)
• Additional pay if you do more hours (by agreement)

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Most families want their au pairs to stay for at least 6 - 12 months. Occasionally we have opportunities for shorter placements. Please consider carefully how long you want to stay before applying. Most placements are made for the period from the beginning of September until the middle/end of July.

Please do not let the family down by leaving early.

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Most families want their au pairs to stay for at least 6 - 12 months. Occasionally we have opportunities for shorter placements. Please consider carefully how long you want to stay before applying. Most placements are made for the period from the beginning of September until the middle/end of July.

Please do not let the family down by leaving early.

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Usually courses begin in September and January, sometimes it is possible to arrange courses at other times. Courses typically cost around £200 for a 10 week course of 6 hours study per week, the Au Pair will be responsible for payment.

• IES provide their own Language Tuition (TESOL) , click here to for more information.

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Au pairs must arrange their own visas and must pay their own fare to Britain and inform the family of their arrival details (so that they may be met at the airport or station). Families will be asked to meet you at the airport. When you have an placement, please arrange the arrival date and time with the family to ensure they are available to meet you. You must also tell the agency of your arrival date. We will be pleased to advise should you encounter any difficulties with travel arrangements

• IES provide their own Language Tuition (TESOL) , click here to for more information.

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Au pairs may wish to arrange their own insurance for personal items. Most au pairs will be able the use the National Health Service in case of accident or illness. There is a small charge for each item of medicine. Au pairs who are not from the EU must consult their home country before coming to the UK if separate medical insurance is required.

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It is important to be polite, friendly and helpful to the family as soon as you arrive. Au pairs who use their initiative and make friends with the children are an immediate success! Make sure you get clear instructions about what you are supposed to do and, if you are not sure, ask. You must behave reasonably and with respect for the family and they will be expected to treat you in the same way. Be responsible and respectful and you will find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

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If you have any problems you should talk about them to your family. The agency is also there to help. If the family behaves badly towards you, please tell us so that we can try and find out what has happened and sort it out. The family has the right to dismiss an au pair who behaves incorrectly. The agency will try and assist in case of misunderstandings. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, please tell us.

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