Pay varies depending on the number of hours and the level of experience of each au pair. It also varies from country to country.
In Britain, pocket money for an au pair/nanny with native English is minimum £100 p/w (AUD170) although many families pay more. If you have qualifications or extensive experience, we can always get you better pay and maybe secure a professional nanny position for you. In other countries the pocket money is lower but should cover your regular expenses.
In all cases, families should provide a comfortable room and full board (all meals included). Duty hours should allow an au pair to study and attend structured classes. Two days per week should be free and suitable compensation should be received if extra work is required.
Additional payment and rewards:
Additional benefits vary, some families take au pairs on holidays to exotic destinations to luxury hotels but it is best not to expect this! Most host families are generous and want you to be happy. Many will make the effort to show you their city and their area and take you on excursions and family trips. Some will contribute towards local travel expenses or phone bills. There are also families who are prepared to pay for or contribute towards the cost of language lessons.
It is very important to agree in advance what you expect from each other on the basic hours and pay. Extras are a bonus!
*Mother's helpers, tutors and professional nannies from Australia are also part of our cultural exchange program. They are candidates who are willing and able to take on higher levels of responsibility, a Mothers help or tutor does not need to be fully qualified, nannies can only be placed in a professional nanny position if they are fully qualified and can provide proof of qualification and experience.
NOTE TO ALL AU PAIRS During the (summer) holidays (July & August!) you may be asked to do extra hours. Holiday pocket money should reflect the extra hours. Many language schools are CLOSED during July/August.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?
For many cultural au pair positions a real affection for children is the main requirement. Practical experience is an advantage, even if it is only babysitting, as is an outgoing nature for coping and living with new people in a foreign country. You should also be flexible, independent, honest, mature and responsible.
Candidates with extensive experience in childcare and/or a qualification in childcare or teaching are very popular. We work with dedicated nanny agencies to secure you a role as a professional nanny.
If you have a background in education or you have been nanny before, we can often find you a position very quickly. In particular in Britain, families are prepared to pay more for experienced candidates, especially if you are willing to look after younger children.(no sole care for under 2s unless you have a nanny qualification)
Additional advantages - please make sure you highlight your skills in your letter to the family, the following 'extra skills' are highly in demand with families:
Talents/sports that you can share with the children (such as swimming or painting)
Experience/qualification in food hygiene and cooking
(International) driving license
Understanding of first aid
If you have more childcare experience, you may consider being a mother's help. Expect to be asked specific questions about your experience during your interview.
EXPECTED TASKS
Tasks will vary by family, but expect the following to be part of your duties in most families.
Wake the children in the morning and get them ready
Help the children to tidy their rooms and make their beds
Prepare breakfast and lunch for the children
Clean up breakfast dishes
Make sure children have books and homework for school, drive children to/from school (if needed)
Tasks while children are at school: shopping, light housework
Prepare a healthy afternoon snack
Assist the children with their homework, initiate and supervise play