FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR FAMILIES
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE?
Our fees depend on whether you want an au pair or au pair plus, and how long the au pair stays with you. Please read our terms and conditions and current fees.
Our fees depend on whether you want an au pair or au pair plus, and how long the au pair stays with you. Please read our terms and conditions and current fees.
DOES MY AU PAIR PAY TAX AND NATIONAL INSURANCE?
No. An Au Pair is not classified as an employee, and as long as their remuneration is below the UK tax and NI threshold, they are not liable to pay.
No. An Au Pair is not classified as an employee, and as long as their remuneration is below the UK tax and NI threshold, they are not liable to pay.
HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE TO FIND AN AU PAIR?
In most situations you will need to allow for at least four weeks. It is possible to find an au pair sooner, but the more time we have the better able we will be to match your needs.
In most situations you will need to allow for at least four weeks. It is possible to find an au pair sooner, but the more time we have the better able we will be to match your needs.
WHAT HOUSEHOLD TASKS CAN I REASONABLY ASK MY AU PAIR TO DO?
The au pair should be able to undertake a range of light house work duties. During registration, candidates are asked to indicate which household tasks they are willing to undertake, and we make every effort to match their expectations of household duties with that of families. Examples of light housework include washing dishes, preparing simple meals for children, cleaning the kitchen, laundry and ironing, vacuuming, dusting, light shopping, emptying bins, walking and feeding pets. Its important to agree with the au pair which duties they are comfortable with.
The au pair should be able to undertake a range of light house work duties. During registration, candidates are asked to indicate which household tasks they are willing to undertake, and we make every effort to match their expectations of household duties with that of families. Examples of light housework include washing dishes, preparing simple meals for children, cleaning the kitchen, laundry and ironing, vacuuming, dusting, light shopping, emptying bins, walking and feeding pets. Its important to agree with the au pair which duties they are comfortable with.
DO YOU PLACE AU PAIRS IN ALL PARTS OF THE UK?
Rainbow has placed hundreds of Au Pairs all over the UK. Our families are all over the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Rainbow has placed hundreds of Au Pairs all over the UK. Our families are all over the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TERMS AND COSTS OF AN AU PAIR PLACEMENT?
The standard terms and conditions of an au pair are five hours work a day. You can expect the au pair to babysit for two evenings a week. But you must allow free time for study, or to pursue other interests. The au pair must have their own room, which is their responsibility to keep tidy. Meals must be provided, and the typical pocket money rates typically vary from £65 to £80 per week. You should also provide 1 weeks paid leave after six months.
The standard terms and conditions of an au pair are five hours work a day. You can expect the au pair to babysit for two evenings a week. But you must allow free time for study, or to pursue other interests. The au pair must have their own room, which is their responsibility to keep tidy. Meals must be provided, and the typical pocket money rates typically vary from £65 to £80 per week. You should also provide 1 weeks paid leave after six months.
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY AU PAIR?
Its important to give enough time to get to know your au pair in the initial period. If you have a problem, in the first instance it is better to talk to the au pair and try to come to an understanding. Of course, Rainbow are on hand to act as a point of contact for both au pairs and host families. If there are reasonable grounds, a replacement au pair or a refund will be organised, subject to our terms and conditions.
Its important to give enough time to get to know your au pair in the initial period. If you have a problem, in the first instance it is better to talk to the au pair and try to come to an understanding. Of course, Rainbow are on hand to act as a point of contact for both au pairs and host families. If there are reasonable grounds, a replacement au pair or a refund will be organised, subject to our terms and conditions.
DO I HAVE TO OFFER PAID HOLIDAYS?
BAPAA recommends 4 weeks per year (or 1.66 days per month pro-rata if the placement is shorter than a year), plus 8 Bank / Public Holidays. The matter of paid holidays should be discussed and agreed between you and the Host Family. The family must specify the Au Pair’s entitlement to paid holidays and must state when they can be taken or if there are any times which are inconvenient to them.
BAPAA recommends 4 weeks per year (or 1.66 days per month pro-rata if the placement is shorter than a year), plus 8 Bank / Public Holidays. The matter of paid holidays should be discussed and agreed between you and the Host Family. The family must specify the Au Pair’s entitlement to paid holidays and must state when they can be taken or if there are any times which are inconvenient to them.
WHAT CHECKS AND GUARANTEES DO YOU OFFER FOR THE AU PAIRS YOU PLACE?
Rainbow runs a number of checks when au pairs newly register, including identity and criminal record checks, and references. We also obtain detailed information on the tasks they are prepared to carry out.
Rainbow runs a number of checks when au pairs newly register, including identity and criminal record checks, and references. We also obtain detailed information on the tasks they are prepared to carry out.
Au Pair Agency: Au Pairs Services: Sussex, Kent, Surrey, London