ALBAUPAIR SERVICES

As an au pair agency we offer students the opportunity to work as an Au Pair abroad to learn the language whilst living with the family.

Our policy: is to carefully match applicants to families to suit the requirements of both parties. We interview all our applicants personally and check their references.

Au-Pair:

An au-pair is a single, unmarried young person, aged between 17-27. Au pairs are willing to learn English and the way of life and are provided with food, accommodation and pocket money in return for a certain amount of help in the home. Au Pairs are not employees or domestic servants, the amount of work expected from one is limited to a maximum of 25-30 hours per week and baby-sit on two evenings per week. The recommended minimum weekly pocket money is£50. Your au-pair should be given every assistance to learn English and attend language classes.

Pocket money:

Au Pair: applicants working 25-30 hours a day. Recommended minimum weekly:£50
Au Pair plus: applicants working 35-40 hours a day. Recommended minimum weekly:£65
Mothers help: applicants working 45-60 hours a day. Recommended minimum weekly:£85-£130 net any tax and contribution

Au Pairs are expected to do babysitting 2-3 times a week. Baby-sitting means looking after children after they have been put to bed in the evening. Au-pairs have 2 full days off (Saturday and Friday).

Nannies:

They are professional childcare provider or giver. Nanny applicants must have highly checkable work history, experience and/or formal childcare educational qualification. The work hours for nanny vary greatly from few hours per day to complete sole charge for some days and the wages/salaries also vary but usually depends on the hours worked, duties involved and the experience of the applicants. They must have reasonable rest time and holidays are to be agreed with the families.

What should families provide the Au Pairs:

• Treatment as a member of the family: They are included in all family activities: family meals, holiday celebrations etc. Au pair may feel homesick at first. You should be understanding during this period and should try to help the au pair adjust to her new surroundings.
• Accommodation: Au pair should have their own bedroom with a bed , wardrobe and a desk or table for studying and possibly a radio or television
• English classes: Au pairs should be able to attend English classes min. twice a week. Course fee is paid by the au pairs, but families may make a contribution on a voluntary basis.
• Holidays:An au-pair should have 1 week paid holiday when she/he has been working for you at least 6 months. Should the family go on holiday and do not take their au pair with them, it is still the families responsibility to accommodate the au pair by providing full board and paying the full amount whilst they are away. If they do take the au pair with them, the family are responsible for all costs incurred.

Au Pairs with driving license

If you require your au pair to drive, this shall be the full responsibility of the host family concerned. The agency cannot accept responsibility for this at all. The au pair cannot be held liable for any accident or negligent behavior. You are advised to pay for some lessons with your local driving school to ensure that she is fully acquainted with driving on the left. Petrol must be provided for use on duty, but the Au Pair might pay for petrol for own use

Travel to the UK

The Au Pair is responsible for the cost of their transport to and from UK. When arriving to this country the family should meet the Au Pair at the airport/coach station so it is the family's responsibility to arrange collection of Au Pairs or pay the costs of travel from London to the families home.

Always confirm with your Au Pair by telephone arrival details 24 hours before their arrival.

National Insurance & Health

National Insurance contributions are not required for Au Pairs. Au Pairs from Hungary are eligible for NHS treatment.

Procedure to follow

1. Complete the registration form and send it to Alba Human Group Agency by Email, Fax or Post. Sign the terms and Conditions and send it by Post to Alba Human Group Agency.
2. Check the Au Pairs I send to you for suitability and inform us about the one you would like to speak to on the phone.
3. Telephone the particular Au Pair you have chosen after our agency have confirmed her/his availability.
4. Send fee to us and invitation letter to the Au Pair
5. Confirm Au Pair travel details by our agency
6. Confirm with the Au Pair 24 hours before arrival
7. Meet the Au Pair at the place of arrival

What should the letter of invitation include:

1. The family's address, telephone number, (mobile also if possible), nationality and the language spoken in the home.
2. Number and age of all children
3. Duties, working hours and conditions
4. Pocket money per week
5. Accommodation you give the au pair
6. Language school your Au Pair will be enrolled at
7. Full details of activities in and around the area.
8. Date you would like the Au Pair to arrive
9. The place where you meet the au pair when arriving in the UK
10. Any special requirements