What is an au pair?

1. An au pair  is a girl (or a boy) aged between 17 and 27 who comes to England to improve her/his English.

2. Unlike a qualified nanny, an au pair is not trained to look after children. For this reason we do not place au pairs in families where they will be responsible for looking after a baby on their own.

3. An au pair can be asked to work up to 25 hours per week. Her normal duties include looking after the children (e.g. taking them to school, preparing their tea, putting them to bed) plus some housework. She can also be asked to do up to 2 evenings of babysitting per week.

4. She must have her own room.

5. She should be paid at least £45 per week plus receive full board.

6. She must be allowed to attend English classes at a local college, typically two hours twice a week.

7. She pays for her own travel to and from England as well as her college fees.

8. She may come to stay for 9 months (usually September  - June), 6 months (usually January - June) or 2 - 3 months during the summer.