SELECT AU PAIRS
INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERVICE
"Select Au-Pairs" is run by Nancy Ingram who, as a mother of two, has used a variety of childcare options over the last 15 years, including Nannies, Mother's Helps, Au-Pairs and family. She has found Au-Pairs to be the best solution for her family and also found she was regularly approached by other families to source Au-Pairs. As a result she set up "Select Au-Pairs" with a view to providing a service which is friendly, approachable, efficient and professional - caring about both the families' and Au-Pairs' welfare.
"Select Au-Pairs" has professional relationships with several European Agencies- which Nancy screens and selects on the basis that she herself would be confident of their services. She understands the importance of the right match and seeks to provide a more personalized service.
"Select Au-Pairs" is a member of IAPA-International Au-Pair Association. IAPA’s main goal is to protect the rights of all au-pairs and host families and at the same time establish internationally approved guidelines for au-pair exchange programmes.
WHY CHOOSE AN AU PAIR?
Childcare decisions are some of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. At different times in your family's development you may wish to choose different options.
Au-Pairs are an inexpensive option where the motivation of the carer is relational rather than financial. The key reasons that Au-Pairs come to Britain are to improve their English, understand the culture and live as part of a British family.
Au-Pairs will not be formally trained in childcare but most Au-Pairs have been involved with various types of children's groups, such as Scouts, church Youth Groups, coaching sport etc., and have babysitting experience.
Because the Au-Pair lives in, this provides regular babysitting which allows parents the freedom to come and go with greater flexibility as well as the benefit of assistance with everyday household tasks.
It is also very beneficial for the children to learn
about other countries - their languages, cultures and food. It is a fun
educational experience that gives the children a broader outlook on life.
SELECTIONS
- Prompt service - we will try to organize placements as quickly as possible. We ask for 6 weeks notice but will actively try to find placements at shorter notice.
AFTERCARE
Au-Pairs will receive a welcome Pack with information on the area in the
U.K. in which they will live.
Families will receive a copy of the Au-Pair's Application Form, Medical Examination, References, Photographs and an Introductory Letter. As a friendly caring Agency, Select Au-Pairs is available for free advice.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR AU PAIR?
Au-Pairs' duties are primarily centered around the children, i.e. keeping the children's rooms tidy, washing and ironing children's clothes, and bathing the children. However the Au-Pair must her share of the household duties, i.e. light housework which includes dusting, hoovering, ironing, helping to prepare meals, washing and drying the dishes (loading and unloading the dishwasher).
You can expect your Au-Pair to work up to 5 hours per day with 2 days off per week and to babysit 2-3 evenings per week in return for £40.00 per week pocket money allowance.
Remember that an Au-Pair must be treated as one
of the family and not as a servant or boarder.
NANCY INGRAM'S GUIDELINES TO THE FAMILY
An Au-Pair must have a room of her own and full board. It would be appreciated if the room is regarded as private, and to enable her to study it should be equipped with a desk or writing table, and if possible a portable Radio Cassette Player or a small TV. Families should provide extra blankets and perhaps a portable heater as many girls come from warmer climates and are not used to the British weather.
When your Au-Pair arrives, please allow her a day
to settle in before she is expected to start her duties. On day two sit
down with her and go over her duties day by day. This should be done on
a weekly schedule. Please be as specific as you can with the duties you
want her to perform. You must also tell your Au-Pair what your household
rules are. Again be as specific as you can as this will avoid problems
in the future.
ENGLISH CLASSES
Au-Pairs need to be given time to attend English Classes. Your local Tech or Further Education College will offer these Classes. Your Au-Pair will usually want to take the Cambridge 1st Certificate Exam. It is helpful if you can make enquiries at your local College before your Au-Pair arrives. Language Classes are very popular and tend to fill up quickly. Although the Au-Pair is responsible for the cost of her Class, many families like to make a contribution towards these costs. Please accompany your Au-Pair to the College and help her with enrolment.
DRIVERS
If you require your Au-Pair to drive a car we strongly advise you to arrange for an assessment or refresher lesson with your local Driving School. You should also supply the Au-Pair with a copy
of the Highway Code. I have found this to be invaluable in building confidence and getting her acquainted with driving rules. Remember she has probably only driven on the other side of the road. This will give you peace of mind knowing she is a competent driver. You must also make sure that your Insurance covers your Au-Pair as a driver. In the unfortunate event of an accident you cannot expect your Au-Pair to pay for any damage or costs.
You must pay for petrol use for all family duties,
however supply of petrol for the Au-Pair's use is at the family's discretion.
It is advisable to make this clear to the Au-pair at the outset.
HOLIDAYS
After your Au-Pair has been with you for 6 months,
1 week's paid holiday is advised.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Au-Pairs from EEC Countries should be eligible for NHS health-care. Others should have private insurance. Please contact your GP when your Au-Pair arrives to arrange for her to be put on his/her list.
TRAVEL
Au-Pairs travelling to the U.K. are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel to the nearest Airport to your home. At that point you are responsible for providing transport to your home. If you cannot meet her or have her met at your nearest Airport, you must send her clear and full instructions as to arrangements you have made on her behalf.
We hope however that you, as the host family, would
make every effort to greet your Au-Pair personally on her arrival.
WHAT DOES SELECT AU PAIR EXPECT FROM YOU?
- Once you have decided to arrange an Au-Pair please fill in the Application Form and send it to us at select Au-Pairs in order for the application process to begin.
- We will then send you Au-Pair particulars for you to make your selection.
- Once you have decided on a particular Applicant, you must contact Select Au-Pairs as soon as possible to provisionally book your Au-Pair, as Au-Pairs' particulars are sent to more than one family.
- We will contact the Au-Pair and tell her to expect a telephone call from you shortly.
- You are then expected to telephone the Au-Pair to discuss arrangements.
- You then contact Select Au-Pairs to formally book the Au-Pair.
- The Agency Fee is due when the Au-Pair is formally booked and must be paid before your Au-Pair departs for the U.K.
- The Immigration Authorities require you write
a letter of introduction introducing your family and outlining the Au-Pair's
duties, pocket money, etc. and formally inviting her to your home. Your
Au-Pair must produce this when entering the country.
- Some countries require an additional agreement
form. This will be provided by Select Au-Pairs for you to complete and
return to Select Au-Pairs, along with your letter of introduction and agency
fee. Cheques should be made payable to 'Select Au-Pairs'.
- Select Au-Pairs will forward your letter
of introduction and the agreement form to your Au-Pair for her to sign
and return to Select Au-Pairs, who will then send a copy of the agreement
to you , the host family.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING OUT?
It is important to be patient with your Au-Pair who may find the adjustment difficult at first. We recommend that you sit down with her at the end of the first week to discuss how she is coping. Be as open and specific with the Au-Pair as you can. Sometimes misunderstandings can arise over something trivial and if left can be blown out of proportion.
If you have tried the above and still have concerns or have any questions, Select Au-Pairs are happy to discuss and try to resolve any problems. If all else fails, select Au-Pairs will seek a replacement (see Terms and Conditions of Business).
It is Select Au-Pairs' goal to be the best Au-Pair Selection Service in Scotland and the U.K.
We look forward to responding to your Au-Pair requirements.
For further information please contact Nancy Ingram.
Crosbie House,
Moredun Road,
Paisley PA2 9LJ,
Scotland, U.K
Tel (44)141 884 8361
Fax (44) 141 884 1566
E-mail selectaupairs@aol.com