Just as the au pair is expected to fulfil certain tasks and duties, the host family must fulfil their obligations towards the au pair.
Hiring an au pair can be a wonderful experience for both the host family and the au pair. While the family gets dedicated childcare, the au pair gains new insights into the culture, language and everyday life of the host country. For the partnership to be successful, both parties must fulfil their share of tasks and duties.
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If you want to hire an au pair it is important you do the following:
1. Provide room and board
As au pairs spend a lot of time with their host family and many hours looking after the children, it is important that they have a comfortable retreat where they can go for some peace and quiet and to recharge their batteries. Therefore, it is an absolute requirement that host families provide a comfortable, private bedroom for their au pair. Under no circumstances is the au pair to share children’s bedroom.
The room must be a minimum of 8-9 square metres, have adequate heating, a window for daylight and a lock on the door. These days it is also a requirement to provide internet access and Wi-Fi in the bedroom. The room should be comfortably furnished with nice furniture and a comfortable bed. The room must be equipped with a desk and chair so the au pair can do her language course homework.
To really brighten up the room and make your au pair feel at home, decorate the room with some indoor plants and pictures on the wall. Your efforts will have a positive impact on the au pair’s mood and quality of life during her stay. Host families must also provide three meals per day and invite the au pair to dine with the family during meal times.
2. Travel access
Host families must ensure there are adequate transportation options for the au pair. Depending on where you live and the duties your au pair is expected to take care of, you may need to provide her with a car. Her experience will be much improved if she has the freedom that comes with access to a car. Of course, providing an au pair with a car is not a prerequisite, but it is a great bonus when possible. If you will be providing a car for the au pair it is your responsibility to check that they have a valid, international driver’s licence and to provide insurance.
If you are not able to provide a car, ensure that the au pair has a public transport ticket and adequate access to bus or train routes. Giving them a bicycle for the duration of the stay is also a good idea.
3. Language course
Host families must give the au pair the opportunity to attend a language course in their spare time. It is recommended that the host family pays for or contributes towards the cost of the school. A quick dive into the language of the host country will allow the au pair to have better communication with you, the host family, your children and facilitate their meeting new people and making friends. Good communication with the family and making friends are the best ways to ensure your au pair has a successful experience, a result that will hugely benefit your family!
4. Pay pocket money on time
Au pairs in the UK usually receive £70 to £85 pocket money a week. Discuss with your au pair if they would like to be paid in cash or into their bank account. We recommend paying into their bank account as it will give the au pair the option of using their debit card. It is also beneficial for the host family when it comes to taxes. Whether you pay them weekly or monthly, don’t be late with the payments.
5. Required working hours and holiday time off
Your au pair can be expected to work up to 30 hours per week. Any additional babysitting should be compensated for. The working hours must be agreed upon and written into the au pair contract before the au pair starts work in your home. How the working hours are divided are largely up to you, but make sure the au pair agrees to it first.
The au pair must have at least two days off per week. At least one full weekend off per month is expected. They should also receive four weeks of paid holiday for a twelve-month period. If the au pair goes on holiday with the host family and continues providing childcare, this does not count as their holiday. Only if the au pair attends the family holiday as a guest and not as a worker is it to be considered part of their vacation days.
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