Information for Families
Cambridge Au Pairs provides a very personal service. Prior to engaging an au pair, we will answer any questions you may have about the nature of an au pair arrangement and advise on what facilities to provide. We will match your family's needs and requirements with one of our au pairs, who are mostly introduced by personal contact. The agency gives personal support to each au pair during their stay, helping them to adjust to their new life, and to integrate into Cambridge social life. This makes for a happier experience all round.
An Au Pair's Duties
An au pair is expected to work no more than five hours per day, at times convenient to the employer, either in one block or divided in two (e.g. an hour at breakfast time and then four hours after 3pm if the children are in full time school). The type of work may include light housework, helping look after children, cooking simple meals for them and keeping them amused. They can be asked to baby-sit when the children are in bed, up to two evenings per week, as long as it does not conflict with any evening classes they have arranged. Baby-sitting is not included in the 25 hours a week, but you are not expected to pay extra for this. Baby-sitting is not included in the 25 hours a week but you are not expected to pay extra for this.
Conditions and Facilities
Au Pairs should be given two full days, not necessarily consecutive, completely free per week, plus the time when they are not fulfilling their 25 hours of duty. They should be given minimum £55 per week pocket money. You may ask them to work more than five hours per day for a suggested £3 extra for each additional hour worked. Au pairs should have a bedroom of their own, with a hanging cupboard, chest of drawers and a desk/table for private study. They should be treated as a member of the family, welcomed at family meals and made to feel at home at all times, sharing in the life of the family if they wish (although it is likely they will spend some of their free time separately from the family). They will expect to enrol in at least two English classes per week, at your convenience.