FAQs
Q. Can I be a live-out au pair?
Answer
No. As this is a Cultural Exchange Programme you will be expected to live in with your chosen host family. You will have your own private bedroom and full board. You will live as a family member and be made to feel welcome by all.
Q. Is there a notice period?
Answer
Both families and au pairs are informed that a two week notice period is required. 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.
Q. What if I am unhappy?
Answer
Childcare International is on hand 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 help. You are important to us and we want you to enjoy your stay and go home with great memories of your time abroad.
Q. Will the British National Health Service cover my treatment?
Answer
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC card) entitles you to reduced cost 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.
Q. Do I need health insurance?
Answer
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. View:
http://bapaa.org.uk/agencies/au-pair-insurance/
Q. How will I make friends?
Answer
Childcare International will provide you wherever possible with a list of local friends in the area where you are placed. We will also give you access to our password protected au pair friends website and mobile app.
We also operate an internal Facebook group for our au pairs so there are many opportunities for you to make new friends. We also recommend joining a local sports club or indeed a language course. Volunteering is always a good way to meet people and your host family are also likely to know other au pairs nearby.
Q. Will I be asked to drive?
Answer
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.
Q. Will I have my own bedroom?
Answer
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.
Q. Can I care for babies?
Answer
An au pair who has no official childcare qualification should not have continuous sole charge of a child under the age of two.
Q. What duties will I be expected to carry out?
Answer
Official guidelines recommend that only 20% of an au pair’s duty hours should be spent undertaking household tasks. The remainder is for childcare/babysitting duties.
The acceptable household duties of an au pair can include 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 children's beds, cleaning the children's bathroom, everything to do with keeping their own room clean and tidy, light shopping, walking and feeding pets, emptying bins.
Q. How do I choose my host family?
Answer
Generally candidates receive written information on interested host families and then arrangements are made for telephone/skype interviews and exchanges of emails, photos, etc.
Q. Can I choose which family I go to?
Answer
Wherever you choose to go, you will be given every opportunity to select your own host family.
Q. Can an au pair look after an elderly relative?
Answer
By prior agreement an au pair can look after an elderly relative, as long as the relative is not an invalid and is in good health. We also operate a specific category of “Au Pairs for Seniors”
Q. Who pays the au pair’s travel costs?
Answer
The Au pair pays for his/her own travel costs. However it is expected that the host family collect the au pair from the arrival airport or pay for a taxi/minicab to meet the au pair and drive him/her to the host’s home.
Q. Will I be expected to babysit?
Answer
An au pair would normally expect to babysit for two evenings in any given week. If extra hours are required this can be discussed with the host family and extra free time or money should be given as appropriate.
Q. What can I do to occupy myself when I am not on duty?
Answer
There is so much to do and to see in England that you will not have enough time for everything!! You can join a language course or sports club or even undertake voluntary work in a nursery/school. Many language 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.