Au Pair
According to the Home Office information, an Au Pair is a single girl, without any dependents, who comes to learn English and lives as part of an English speaking family. An Au Pair is not a domestic servant, but helps in the home with light housework and takes care of the children for up to five hours a day, with two days completely free per week. She should also be able to attend language classes. As well as her own room she is entitled to pocket money of £60 a week.
Au Pair Plus
A girl who works more than the Home Office guidelines (25 hours) but a maximum of 40 hours per week. She is entitled to considerably more pocket money.
Expectations
Nanny
The duties are child related (called nursery duties) and include safe and stimulation play with the child/ren, taking to and from school, keeping child's nursery, bedrooms and bathrooms clean and tidy, washing, ironing, putting away and mending children's clothes, keeping toys tidy and cooking, washing up and cleaning up after children's meals, shopping for children's meals.
Nannies often take full responsibility for children during working hours. Most of our nannies are qualified, but there are a number of highly experienced but unqualified nannies who are excellent.
Baby sitting and additional housework (however minimal) must be discussed at interview as this is often a cause of resentment.
Mother's Help
A mother's help is employed as a second pair of hands to a mother. Duties include helping with child care (see nursery duties above) and sharing the housework. This is a shared charged position and very suitable as a first job. Hours are similar to those of a nanny.
Nanny/Housekeeper
Is capable of sole charge of children and home. Duties include child care, laundry, shopping and cooking. A nanny/housekeeper is often employed when children are at full-time school.
Housekeeper
Is employed to run the household. Duties include cleaning, cooking (including evening meals), shopping, washing and ironing. In a large household a part-time cleaner is usually employed. Many housekeepers expect self-contained accommodation.
Duties the au pair is expected to undertake;
Amount of pocket money the au pair will recieve;
Any special requirements of the family;
Details of the family members e.g. children's names, ages, hobbies and pets;
Accommodation provided;
Local languauge school + cost of courses.