Au Pair Services

General Information   |  Objectives and Conditions  |  Information for Host Families

Information for Au Pairs

WORKING ROUTINE

The British Home Office released its own guidelines for au pair working conditions. However the government directives are recommendations only and host families registered with the German YMCA sign our terms and conditions.

The responsibilities of a young woman or man working as an au pair include childcare and light housework. These are very stretchable terms. In general children in England start all-day schools from a very early age and therefore the working schedule of most au pairs concentrates on the busiest times of family life: early in the morning (making breakfast, bringing the children to school) and in the afternoons and/or evenings (taking care of the children after school).

In between-times you will get the chance to visit a language course. An au pair should not have to replace a cleaning lady, but tidying the kitchen, hoovering, washing, ironing and cooking for the children are part of the job of an au pair.

The work with the children will be of varied character according to the children's age. Older children are often very occupied by school, homework and leisure activities. In that case the au pair will have a supervising position, accompanying the children to their activities, and cooking dinner. With younger children the au pair has to devote more time to playing games and entertaining the children, which can be more challenging.

PLACEMENT

Starting times
There are two main placement periods. In the months of August and September host families are looking for an au pair who will stay the whole academic year. If you want to apply for that time you really need to be willing to stay in London at least until July. Placements for 6 months are possible in January.

In the months of June, July, August and September you have the option of a short stay as a summer au pair.

Apart from the main placement periods you can apply for a stay as an au pair at any time, but there will most likely be only a few host families to choose from.

Personal placement
The possibility to get to know host families in person before the actual placement is offered to prospective au pairs in August and September. While looking for the right host family you can stay at the German YMCA in London. Usually this will take 2 to 5 days, depending on the circumstances.

After we receive your complete application we will schedule a specific date for your arrival. On the day after your arrival you will get to know us and our offices and will be provided with an introduction to your stay in London. You will be given information on the English way of life, child upbringing, public transport, your interviews and get the chance to ask questions. Before you choose any host families we will be offering a one to one counselling to talk in detail about your individual expectations and concerns. The appointments with the families will be arranged by the German YMCA youth workers. On the agreed date and time you will visit the host family in their home and get the opportunity to get to know not only the members of the family but also their house and the surroundings. The host family will get the chance to meet you in person and have a look at your application (references, medical certificate and so on) that you will take along.

HOST FAMILIES

Families who are looking for an au pair through us come to our office in London to register. This gives us the chance to discuss terms and conditions in person and to address possible difficulties that could arise between host family and au pair, for example because of differences in the way of life.

Many host families have been with us for several years, in particular because they value the opportunity for a personal encounter with a young woman or man before they commit themselves.

Of course the placement period will be a very exciting time for you. All the other au pair candidates will feel the same though and often those few first days at the German YMCA lead to friendships that will last forever.

The German YMCA staff will be available in case you have any problems throughout your stay in London and try to assist you with finding a new host family should the difficulties prove unsolvable.

INFORMATION AND ADVICE

IN VIA operates from many offices in Germany. Please have a look at their website www.aupair-invia.caritas.de for further information.

DARE TO DIFFER

DARE TO DIFFER is an intercultural course that we offer exclusively to au pairs placed by the German YMCA. During your year as an au pair you will be invited to nine lectures that focus on aspects of politics, history, welfare, education, law and multiculturalism in Great Britain and Germany. You will learn about similarities and differences of home and host country that will encourage you to rethink your views on cultural disparities and gain new perspectives. The course is composed of the different lectures and an excursion built on topics learnt about in the seminars. At the end of the course and with an attendance of at least 80% you will receive a certificate. The course fee is £25, which includes the fees for seminars, excursion and certificate. It is also possible to visit individual lectures for a fee of £2.50.

IN COOPERATION WITH

General Information   |  Objectives and Conditions  |  Information for Host Families