FAQs & INFORMATION

Please find here the information you should read in preparation of your application. There is also an answer to the frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, you can e-mail us on

info@smartaupairs.com

WHAT WILL MY HOURS BE, AND HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

As au pair you take part in a cultural childcare program. You get the opportunity to earn and learn.

Please find below the guidelines for the main categories of au pairs. It is very important to agree in advance what you expect from each other.

Au Pair (25-30 hours per week)

• Works 5 hours per day, 5 days per week
• Baby sits 2-3 evenings per week
• Receives 2 free days and 3 evenings off
• Recommended pay from £70 - 25 hrs
• No sole care for children under 2

Au Pair Plus and Summer Au Pair (30-35 hours per week)

• Works 6 hours per day, 5 days per week
• Baby sits 2-3 evenings per week
• Receives 2 free days and 3 evenings off
• Recommended pay from £ 85  - 30 hrs
• No sole care for children under 2

Mother's Help* (35+ hours per week)

• Works up to 10 hours, 5 days per week
• Baby sits 2-3 evenings per week
• Receives at least 1 free day and 3 evenings off
• Weekly pay from £100 - 25 hours, from £120 - 35 hours, from £150 - 40 hours
  
• More responsibility, younger children and/or longer hours

Tutor** (25-30 hours per week)

• Works 5 hours per day, 5 days per week
• Baby sits 2-3 evenings per week
• Receives 2 free days and 3 evenings off
• Recommended pay from £100 - 25 hrs
• Real focus on educational support, school age children
  

*mother's helpers or tutors are not officially part of the au pair cultural exchange scheme. They are candidates who are willing and able to take on higher levels of responsibility, but not fully qualified like a nanny or teacher. Please read more information about mother's help or more information about tutor program.

We can help find candidates from the EU who are willing to work over 35 hours and/or offer more experience. Pay varies depending on age, experience and hours. Tax and NI contributions are payable as soon as pay is more than £115 per week. (£ 6,035 tax year 2008/09) 

Extra hours for au pairs are usually paid at minimum £4 per hour/£7 for specialist positions.

This salary guide is exactly that, a guide to indicate what the allowance/pocket money/salary may be. It is part of a package. The family also look after you by giving you the following

• A bedroom. Mostly within the family home and varying in level of comfort. In some families you may have your own bathroom, TV, DVD player etc.
• Full board (all meals included)

And in some cases there are other elements to consider

• Use of car in your spare time,
• Chance to travel abroad with the family
• Membership to (sports) clubs
• Payment of/towards English classes
• Payment of/towards First Aid qualification
• Payment towards travel expenses on public transport
• Payment of a flight home after agreed period of successful performance

These are all factors that play a part in the level of pocket money. A family may have an amount in mind, based on what they are looking for in terms of

• The level of previous childcare experience, this should be measured in the number of hours, weeks, years of experience in child care for the relevant age group. Occasional babysitting gives less previous experience than teaching a group of young children on a daily basis so please ensure your profile reflects this.
• The number of hours you will be required to work, the total number of hours plays a role but also ‘split shifts’ or the need to help in the evenings and weekend
• The level of responsibility you will be required to take, how many children you will need to look after, if driving is required etc
• The level of your education and spoken English, your influence on a child’s development is important, as you will spend many hours in their company. If you are educated and speak good English, you are in a better position to stimulate the children and contribute towards their development.

WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR MY FLIGHT?

Au pairs are expected to pay for their own flight to the host family unless specifically agreed otherwise. The host family will collect you from the airport or arrange for collection.

Please ask the family about their regional airport and any low cost airlines. It pays to shop around for your ticket as prices may vary. Usually, flying during the week or in the middle of the day can be much cheaper than the weekend.

You should also double check your luggage allowance. Excess luggage may cost as much as your ticket. In some cases, you may want to consider a coach journey, as this will allow you to bring more. Alternatively, you may travel by car.

WILL I BE ABLE TO DRIVE IN THE UK?

If you have a full, clean driving license from another EU country, you should be permitted to drive in Britain for the first year of your stay. An International Driving license is even better, as it is a translated version of your EU licence.

Check the DVLA information if you want to know more.

If the family needs you to drive their vehicle, they will arrange appropriate insurance for the car you will be driving. We also ask them to provide you with a couple of lessons and time to practise before you drive on your own or with the children.

Please provide a copy of your license in advance, with your references. If you bring your own car, make sure it is insured accordingly before you depart.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE?

Before you leave, you should consider an annual insurance policy. This is often cheaper in your own country and the policy will be in your own language. 
Your insurance policy should protect you from costly emergencies, repatriation and legal assistance.

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment if you are from an EEA country. The card is free but must be obtained before travel. 
More about EHIC.

HOW DO I GAIN FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS?

There are several ways of improving your CV and getting qualified in relevant areas. All of the below suggestions will help you to become an au pair, but are not always requirements of the job.

FIRST AID

We organise regular Baby & Child First Aid courses in Kent and in Central London. Please check our news pages for the latest information.

APPRENTICESHIP CHILDCARE QUALIFICATION

Unique to the au pair industry, we collaborate with the UK's largest specialist in NVQ training who train nursery staff all over the UK and now allow au pairs to follwo the same training. See here for details on the childcare qualifications for au pairs.


LEARN DIRECT

For hundreds of centres with courses to improve your maths, English and IT. Learn at home, work or at a centre or a combination.
www.learndirect.co.uk

APPROVED LANGUAGE CLASSES

To make sure you get the very best English lessons, chose an accredited language center, English UK explains what courses are available and where they are. Below we have a list of individual language courses near you.

LEARN ENGLISH FOR FUN

Learn English and laugh with Ellie's English, see for yourself how much fun it can be to learn English before you arrive or when you are in Britain in addition to your formal lessons. It's free!



LEARN ENGLISH AT A TOP LOCATION NEAR YOU

Even the best online tuition cannot beat the real thing of studying English in small groups. At these locations you will receive nothing but the best. Some offer a social program in addition to tuition. All these location are inspected language schools.

Cambridge, the Anglia Ruskin University offers times and fees to suit everyone. There are even Saturday classes!

English for International Students – EIS – courses at South Thames College London – STCL – are for students - European Union (EU) and non-EU - who want to develop their English and gain vital qualifications.

www.okey-dokey.co.uk

Connects you to almost every form of English learning you can imagine; grammar, audio, jokes, puzzles, exam tests, vocabulary and more.

English Club

www.englishclub.com

English club is one of the biggest ESL websites on the internet. Lots of grammar, listening, speaking, writing and vocabulary exercises and quizzes.

A nicely laid out site. The English teachers section has a comprehensive list of printable and online resources as well as level testing.

ESL-lounge

www.esl-lounge.com

Free ESL Lesson Materials for TEFL and TESOL teachers. Grammar, reading comprehension, worksheets, song lyrics, board games, pronunciation, flashcards, surveys, role plays and more.

Dave's ESL Cafe

www.daveseslcafe.com

Possibly the most famous ESL site. It has an active web board and info and materials for teachers but again, probably the biggest attraction is the busy job board.

ESL Teachers Board

ARE THERE ANY WAYS OF EARNING MORE MONEY AS AN AU PAIR?

Please speak to your host family if you would like to earn more. They may be able to help you. 

BABYSITTING

Your host family may be able to recommend you to their friends for babysitting. That way you will come recommended and you know you will be safe.

DOG WALKING

If you like fresh air and keeping fit, why not help a busy dog owner by walking their dog(s). It saves you money on gym membership and you meet new people in the park too!

ANY TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY?

If you have any tips you want to share with us, please get in touch. 
 
TELEPHONE
Download Skype for free now, allowing you to make FREE calls to other Skype users and CHEAP calls to landlines and mobiles in the UK and abroad. This will also enable your au pair to call free or cheap, great for both of you. Easy to sign up now!

FREE STUFF!
This website, studentfreestuff is packed full of things that cost you nothing - including ringtones, cinema tickets, books, internet vouchers, free samples and, in exchange for taking part in some research you can sometimes get substantial rewards such as an i-pod or a new mobile.

TRANSFER MONEY
Did you know you can transfer money overseas using Paypal? It is usually cheaper than the bank. 

ANY IDEAS ON ENTERTAINING THE CHILDREN?

Even if you have a lot of experience with children, you sometimes need new ideas. This information will not only inspire you, it is also a good way to practise your English skills.

Check BBC play & do for some great suggestions.

Feel free to let us have your favorite source of new ideas to entertain the children.

I'M UNHAPPY. WHAT CAN I DO?

Even with the best planning and support, occasionally things do not work out and someone is unhappy.

We always first try to assist to find a solution between the two parties. We can mediate and often an open and frank discussion results in a positive outcome.

However, there are situations where this is not the case. Each situation is different and we will do what we can to support both parties. If appropriate, we find a replacement.

At all times we ask both parties to remain courteous.

The hosting contract states 14 days notice, giving au pair and host family a chance to make alternative arrangements.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER USEFUL LINKS?

A site with lots of practical infomation for your time abroad www.easyexpat.com/en/directory.htm

A site with a huge 'messageboard' for ESL students, that is short for English as a Second Languange www.eslteachersboard.com

If you need to produce a training video or would like a special souvenir or a family event, our au pair video was produced by
AC video

HOW WILL I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS?

Although you will be making lots of new friends, it is important to keep in touch with your family and friends back home. Traditionally this has been costly but with technology evolving all the time, you may find that it is much easier now to keep in touch.

If you have broadband at home and at your host family, you can chat online in writing and also speak to them. If you have a webcam, you can even see each other. Before you leave home, talk to your parents and advise them of the options, this way you can share your experience!

WHAT IS THE SMART AU PAIRS CERTIFICATE?

At the end of the au pair stay, our au pairs find that they have gained valuable skills for life.

Employers and Universities really appreciate applicants who have been abroad and our certificate is an ideal way to show them about your achievement.