What is an Au pair? Define the role of an Au pair?

An au pair will typically be a young woman and sometimes a young man between 18-30 years old who comes from a foreign country to study english and stays with the host family who provide accommodation and full board in return for the help with looking after their children and provide light housekeeping. The au pair is given room and board and is typically paid a weekly "pocket-money". Au pairs generally stay with their host family for one year. Au pairs are legally allowed to work 25-35 hours/week +babysit 2 evenings/week. Pocket money is usually between £65-100/week. They are not qualified child carers and often have a very little experience in childcare. They should not be left in sole charge of babies/small children. They are treated as family members and need to have an opportunity to attend language classes if they wish to. They’re entitled to 1 week of paid holiday for every 6 months worked and need to get at least 2 days off/weekday. Au pair needs to be paid extra for any ...  more