Information

For Families only

Having a Christian girl or boy who sees their mission as coming to help your family for up to a year can be a great blessing. A relationship of this kind can be a lifelong experience.  Having an au pair is not like having a cleaner or cook or paid worker, it is offering a sharing of cultural and Christian experience. We specialize in matching Christian Au Pairs from Europe or the Commonwealth  to families where they are able to work and serve; and where they can benefit from the hospitality and church life of the British family. We also meet the needs of families in Europe by placing British Au Pairs in their families.

What does the word 'au-pair' mean?

The word is a French term and literally means 'on equal terms'. An au pair is a young adult (male or female) who comes to Britain to increase their understanding of the English language. They are here to experience the culture of Britain as well as learn a little about the way of life through living in a family. In return for living in a family the young adult helps with the housework and with the children. They are not qualified domestic workers and therefore high standards of work should not be expected. They are generally helpful and willing to learn. Some may need help for the first few days until they become familiar with your routines. It is recommended that you write down a list of the things you require the Au pair to do so there are no misunderstandings about the duties expected and hours required. Like an older sibling, the Au pair is included in family activities, unlike an ‘employee’ or a ‘servant’ who may be excluded from family meals, holiday celebrations and other activities. They are given a room of their own and full board and weekly pocket money. Please also remember that an Au pair should have their own bedroom with a bed, wardrobe, a desk or table for studying. Under no circumstances should an Au pair be made to share a bedroom with children or have their room used as a child’s playroom during the daytime. It is a place for privacy and quiet and this should be made quite clear to any family member. Help should also be offered to the Au pair, if required, with their Language Studies.

What can an au pair do?

The au pair is expected to work for about 25 hours per week with 2 days per week completely free. The work includes such things as washing, ironing, light housework (vacuuming, dusting), meal preparation, taking children to and from playgroup/school and otherwise helping with the children (feeding, bathing)

A girl should not be allowed in sole charge of a pre-school child unless you inform us of the arrangements. Under no circumstances should a girl be left in sole charge of a baby under 18 months for more than 10 hours per week. Please realise that most girls come with limited training and experience in handling small children. You will need to take full responsibility for the situation. The pocket money is payable one week after arrival.

A non-EEC au pair in Britain will need to produce a passport to show that they have been given leave to enter or remain in Britain on condition that they do not enter employment paid or unpaid other than as an 'au pair'.  EEC Nationals however are free to take employment in Britain including taking up 'au pair' placements if they wish.

What is their role in the family?

An au pair should live with, eat with and share in the aspects of social life within the family. It is important that they have the opportunity to communicate in English. They will be able to speak (and understand) English to an acceptable standard. They must be offered the opportunity to go to a local Language school, if they wish, to increase the spoken and written word of English. Families should accommodate their Au pair’s schedule for attending English classes for foreign students suited to their ability. Many Au pairs will want to attend classes but this should be at a mutually convenient time for both family and Au Pair, either daytime or evening classes. The family might offer to help an au pair with expenses. If you require the Au pair to drive, then you must take time to ‘train’ the Au pair to drive in England before allowing time alone in the vehicle. An International Diving Licence can be used for one year in the UK. All vehicle costs e.g petrol and insurance must be paid for by the family.