FAQs

Is there a notice period?: Both families and au pairs are informed that we require a two week notice period. This normally allows sufficient time for us to find you, the au pair, a new host family and the family to find a new au pair. Flexibility is required at this awkward stage but the situation can be handled well if both parties are reasonable and helpful.
Back to top

What if I am unhappy?: Childcare International is Òon handÓ to help solve your problems. Remember that you do need to keep in touch with us and let us know if there are any matters which you are unhappy about. We are here to helpÐ You are important to us and we want you to enjoy your stay and go home with great memories of your time abroad.
Back to top

Will the British National Health Service cover my treatment?: A European Health Insurance Card entitles you to reduced Ðcost or even free medical treatment if within the EEA countries. This card must be obtained before you travel but it is still advisable to obtain additional insurance. Please view www.ehic.uk.com
Back to top

Do I need health insurance?: It is advisable for you to obtain health and travel insurance before joining your host family. This will protect you from costly emergencies, repatriation and legal assistance if required. Childcare International will be pleased to provide you with information on insurance cover.
Back to top

How will I make friends?: The best place to make friends is at language school. However, you can also join a local Club (swimming, sports, tennis, music, reading É.) and you will be sure to meet people. Your agency will help you with names of other au pairs in the area and you can also register with facebook groups for au pairs (but do take care!). Volunteering is always a good way to meet people and your host family will be sure to know other au pairs nearby. In the UK there is an excellent password protected website specifically for au pairs so you must register on this and your agency will provide you with all the information.
Back to top

Will I be asked to drive?: You need to consider carefully if you wish to drive abroad. Nowadays many host families require a driver. Wherever you are placed you will need to make sure you fully understand such matters as car insurance and the laws of the road. You will need to provide your driving licence.
Back to top

Will I have my own bedroom?: You will certainly have your own private bedroom and will probably share the other facilities of the home with the family. Full board (all meals) are provided.
Back to top

Can I care for babies?: We do not advise an unqualified au pair to have continuous sole charge of a child under the age of two.
Back to top

What duties will I be expected to carry out?: As au pair your duties will be a mixture of childcare and light housework. This can include tidying, washing dishes, preparing simple meals for the children, keeping the kitchen tidy and clean, loading and unloading laundry into the washing machine, ironing for the children, vacuuming, dusting, making and changing childrenÕs beds, cleaning the childrenÕs bathroom, everything to do with keeping your own room clean and tidy, light shopping, pet walking etc.
Back to top

How do I choose my host family?: Generally candidates receive written information on interested host families and then arrangements are made for telephone interviews and exchanges of emails, photos, etc.
Back to top

Can I choose which family I go to?: A. Wherever you choose to go, you will be given every opportunity to select your own host family.
Back to top

Can I have an au pair to care for my child who is younger than 2 years of age?: An au pair should not have continuous sole charge of infants under the age of two. They are not usually qualified to undertake this level of care.
Back to top

If the children are out during the day time , will I be asked to do more?: We do not expect au pairs to be asked to do gardening, spring cleaning, window cleaning, cleaning the oven other than simply wiping it out, washing carpets, washing the car, the weekly household shopping, pet training.
Back to top

What duties are not acceptable for an au pair?: We do not expect au pairs to be asked to do gardening, spring cleaning, window cleaning, cleaning the oven other than simply wiping it out, washing carpets, washing the car, the weekly household shopping, pet training.
Back to top

Can I be a live-out au pair?: No. As this is a Cultural Exchange Programme and the au pair will specifically be joining your family, it is expected that she will be provided with her own private bedroom and full board. She must live as a family member and be made to feel welcome by all.
Back to top

What can I do to occupy myself when I am not on duty?: A - Your au pair will probably be happy to attend a language course at a local college. Many schools have courses designed specially for au pairs. Au pairs do not work full-time and a proportion of the day should be set aside for study. He/she may also like to join the local sports centre / swimming pool.
Back to top