Au Pairs

An Au Pair is a single person between 17 and 27 years of age who comes to the UK from aborad to study English and lives for up to two years as a member of an English-speaking family help with childcare and home duties.
 
Au Pairs can work in the home for up to five hours a day with at least two full days off a week, in return for a reasonable allowance and their own room.

An Au Pair is unlikely to have childcare qualifications and it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the au pair knows the basics of childcare and first aid, and to be able to call on a responsible adult if necessary.

Au Pairs are not registered or inspected, so there are no checks on their suitability appart from references that you follow up. It is important to follow up references even if they have been checked by an agency.

As the employer of an Au Pair, you are therefore responsible for insurance, income tax and the like.

Childcare Tax Credit cannot be claimed under the Working Tax Credit scheme if you use a Nanny or an Au Pair.

Further information

For more information or to find an Au Pair contact the International Au Pair Association for details of registered agencies in the local area.

Immigration, nationality information and advice can be obtained from the Home Office and from UK Visas.