Nanny and au pair guide for the UK

• General nanny and au pair information: Nannies and au pairs are generally aged 17 - 27. The guidelines below relate mostly to au pair positions. Qualified nannies will generally be paid more - the hours and conditions of service for a nanny will vary according to the requirements of each family and to the ages of the children. For example, a nanny looking after a baby will generally be expected to have formal nanny qualifications and will be paid accordingly.
• Age: Nannies and au pairs are generally aged 17 - 27.
• Salary (Pocket money): The recommended salary for an au pair is £55 per week - as stated above, qualified nannies will generally receive more.
• Number of hours to work and days off: Au Pairs usually work up to 5 hours per day with two free days per week. As part of their weekly duties, they can be asked to babysit a couple of nights a week or to help with light household duties.
• Visas: A nanny or au pair from the 25 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and au pairs and nannies who are Swiss nationals have the right of free movement and residence in the UK. Nannies and au pairs from the US may obtain a blue card from BUNAC in order to work as a nanny or au pair. A nanny or u pair from a country which is a member of the commonwealth will need to obtain a holiday work visa. See nanny and au pair visa requirements for the UK for more information.
• Duration of stay: An au pair can live for up to two years as a member of an English family.
• Language requirements: There are no language requirements for the UK however it is advised that a nanny or au pair has a basic understanding of English in order to live independently. For example, to make it easy to contact emergency services or read medicine labels if needed.
• Travel costs: Travel costs to the UK from the nanny or au pair's home country should be covered by the nanny or au pair. However, if the host family wants to pay for a part of the costs, it is suggested that they do so after the nanny or au pair has stayed with them for at least half of the agreed time.

Being a nanny or au pair in:
Australia / Austria / Belgium / Canada / Denmark / France / Germany / Ireland / Italy / Netherlands / New Zealand / Norway / Spain / Sweden / Switzerland / US