***There are very important changes to the au pair in Britain program***
BAPAA, the British Au Pair Agencies Association, has confirmed new program guidelines in September 2017, and further in January 2018.
Smartaupairs is a BAPAA member agency and thereby, these changes are also applicable to our host families and au pairs who register with us for a new search. These changes are aimed to clarify & improve the au pair in Britain program to ensure we continue attracting the very best of the au pair applicants. At smartaupairs, certain guidance points have been adapted to simplify the placement and weekly pocket money payment process for both families & au pairs.
A Summary of the Guidelines - Many of these points are long standing to Smartaupairs, however some guidelines have been further defined.
- Minimum Pocket Money Guidelines: £85 for 25h, £100 for 30h (£115 for 35h). Higher pay applies for more experienced/native English speaking au pairs.
The above pocket money rates include a compulsory contribution towards local travel/language classes.
- Two Evenings of Babysitting (Monday-Friday) are included in this pocket money and in the au pair weekly hours. Example: If you therefore require 30h/week - this will include the daytime on duty hours & babysitting hours.
- Au pairs are entitled for 2 full free days a week - typically, Saturday & Sunday. Any extra/weekend babysitting, is to be paid extra at £5/h for European au pairs and at £7/h for native English speaking au pairs.
- Light household duties continue to be limited to up to 1h/day.
- An End of Stay Bonus of one week's pocket money is payable for au pairs who are staying for 6 months or longer - subject to completion of the full mutually agreed stay.
- The title au pair to be only recognised by BAPAA for roles which require up to 30h/help per week - higher hours roles are no longer being recognised as part of the traditional au pair programme. The term au pair plus is therefore no longer recognised by BAPAA.
If you have any queries regarding the above guidelines, just let us know and we are happy to help!
Web: www.smartaupairs.com
E-mail: info@smartaupairs.com
Call: 03301119266
Please visit the BAPAA website for further information - http://bapaa.org.uk/host-families/what-is-an-au-pair/
