or email info@abacusaupairagency.co.uk
FAQs
Q. Can I choose which family I go to?
Q. What duties will I be expected to carry out?
Q. What duties are not acceptable for an Au Pair?
Q. Will I be asked to babysit?
Q. Will I have my own bedroom?
Q. Will I be required to drive?
Q. Will the family pay fees for english classes?
Q. Who pays for my travel costs to and from the UK?
Q. How will I make friends during my stay?
Q. Do I need health insurance?
Q. Will the British National Health Service cover my treatment?
Q. Can I choose which family I go to?
A. Yes of course - you will be given full details of all interested families and will then have a chance to decide if you wish to take things further with any of them.
Q. What duties will I be expected to carry out?
A. Your duties will be a mixture of childcare and light housework. This can include tidying, washing dishes, preparing simple meals for the children, keeping the kitchen tidy and clean, loading and unloading laundry into the washing machine, vacuuming, dusting, ironing, making and changing beds and everything to do with keeping your own room clean and tidy.
Q What duties are not acceptable for an Au Pair?
A. We do not expect Au Pairs to be asked to do window cleaning, gardening, washing the car, spring cleaning, cleaning the oven, washing carpets etc.
Q. Will I be asked to babysit?
A. Generally Au Pairs are expected to babysit for two evenings per week. Additional pocket money is normally paid for any additional evenings.
Q. Will I have my own bedroom?
A. You will have your own private bedroom and will usually share the other facilities of the home with the family. Full board (meals) is also provided.
Q. Will I be required to drive?
A. This will depend on the individual family – some require their Au Pair to drive - others may not.
Q. Will the family pay fees for english classes?
A. Au Pairs are responsible for paying their own fees and should ensure they bring adequate money with them in order to cover these. Some colleges/language schools ask for the fees in advance and these can be quite costly. Families may sometimes offer to contribute towards the cost however this is not compulsory.
Q. Who pays for my travel costs to and from the UK?
A. Generally it is the Au Pairs responsibility to pay his/her own travel costs to and from the UK unless the family has stated that they are willing to fund this.
Q. How will I make friends during my stay?
A. You will usually meet other Au Pairs at language school. However, you can also meet people at local clubs (music, running, swimming, tennis etc). Your agency will also help you with names of other Au Pairs in the area.
Q. Do I need health insurance?
A. It is advisable for you to obtain health and travel insurance before coming to the UK. This will protect you from costly emergencies, repatriation and legal assistance if required.
Q. Will the British National Health Service cover my treatment?
A. A European Health Insurance Card entitles you to reduced cost or even free medical treatment if within the EEC countries. This card must be obtained before you travel but it is still advisable to obtain additional insurance. Please view www.ehic.uk.com
Q. What if I am unhappy?
A. Your agency in England is on hand should you have any problems during your stay. Please keep in touch with us and let us know if there is anything which you are unhappy about. We want you to enjoy your Au Pair stay in England.
Q. Is there a notice period?
A. We recommend families and Au Pairs give a two week notice period. This normally allows sufficient time for us to find the Au Pair a new host family and the family to find a new Au Pair.
