This general information provides an insight for all clients and families of what been a host family entails. Please contact one of our consultants to discuss any particular issue(s) that you might have or if you require more information.

 AU PAIRS

Au pairs are young people, both male and female, aged 17 years to 28 years (up to 30 years in some countries) who comes to your country primarily to learn about the language and culture through living with your family.

Au pair should and must be treated as a member of the your family participating when reasonably possible in all the daily events, treated likens to an elder child with reasonable and appropriate responsibilities. Au pair will help with childcare, babysitting and light housework in return for room board, pocket money and a reasonable family environment. Au pair means “on a par with” or “on an equal footing”. An Au pair is not a nanny or housemaid and should not be considered or treated as one. Please discuss your requirement with one of our consultants.

Applicant’s Requirements

• Of good character, aged between 17 to 28 (30) and single (not married)
• Possess a good basic knowledge of the target country’s language
• Adequate education and a valid driving license when required
• Have childcare experience either babysitting, looking after younger siblings or formal childcare training
• Have dated medical certificate
• Very keen, interested and motivated
• Provide appropriate numbers of reference as required by your family or the agency
• Applicants must have travel document that is valid for their whole stay in their target country.
• We advise that applicant have reason amount of money on their person for their journey to the country.
• Applicant must keep maximum personal hygiene and surroundings clean
• Applicant must behave ethically and decently while staying the with family and adhere to the social norms of the society and of the target country
• Applicants must reasonably respect the wishes of the family; it’s habits, choice of friends, business and religion.
• Applicants can pursue their interest, hobbies and religion so far it does not interfere greatly with the familys.  
• Applicants would have completed the Konnex International Limited's application forms, preparation, and orientation, checked and interviewed by Konnex International limited, its associates or agents.

CHOICES

REGULAR AU PAIR: Normally works 5 hours per day, 5 days a week and baby-sits for up to 2 evenings per week. He/she will have two days free per week, which should include two weekends a month and must receive a minimum of £60 per week pocket money. He/she will be allowed time off to attend a Language course.

AU PAIR PLUS: Are usually EC nationals or residents. They are not dissimilar to regular au pair but might work between 26-40 hours per week and must receive minimum of £80-£200 pocket money per week.

MOTHERS HELP: Are considered NI contributing employees might work between 8 to 12 hours per day with weekly wages of £100 to £280 net any tax and contribution per week. They might have 2 full days free per week.  

NANNIES: Are professional childcare provider or giver. Nanny applicants must have highly checkable work history, experience and/or formal childcare educational qualification. The work hours for nanny vary greatly from few hours per day to complete sole charge for some days and the wages/salaries also vary but usually depends on the hours worked, duties involved and the experience of the applicants. They must have reasonable rest time and holidays are to be agreed with the families.  

Konnex International Limited has 3 levels of services

1. Introducing candidates to family after all checks and vetting have been performed and appraisal thereafter
2. Same as 1 with continuous monitoring of travels (arranging and planning travels with the successful candidate). Picking up candidate from ports to family’s home.
3. Same as 2 with special requirement or specification and continuous after services and appraisals.

ACCOMMODATION

The family must provide a reasonably sized and well-equipped accommodation/room for the applicant in the family’s household. This room or accommodation should be solely for the applicants’ use and must be in a good state of repair with adequate heating and ventilating system.

FOOD

The family should endeavour to satisfy the need or nutritious requirement of the applicant just like any other member of the family. In some cases there might be difference in the type of food the family/clients and applicant are familiar with and this must be taken into consideration and accommodated whenever possible. Family should provide all basic hygienic essentials.

TRAVEL

Applicants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travels and fares as far as the central of the capital, any port or airport nearest to the host family. The family then becomes responsible for the au pairs safe journey to the host family’s home. Where the host family can’t arrange for the au pair to be picked up, Konnex International Limited. will arrange for this and all charges will be passed to the family.

REGISTRATION

When required - The family/client should at the earliest convenient time accompany the new au pair to register at the appropriate police station or authorities. This is strongly suggested.

LANGUAGE COURSES

Most applicants on arriving at their host country are anxious about level of their spoken and written language skills. It is absolutely necessary for you the family/clients to assist with looking for language schools or colleges in your area collecting as much information as possible to enable good variety of choices and ideas for the applicant.

HOLIDAY & DAYS OFF

The family/client must allow two full days off for the applicant in a week; these days off should include one weekend in a month. After six months period of stay with the family the applicant is entitle to one/two weeks paid holiday. Should there be a need for holiday before the six months period, the payment is at the discretion of the family/client. Please note that applicant should be able to purse their hobbies and interest at their own free time as long as it doesn’t affect their responsibilities in the house. It is also in the interest of the family to encourage the applicants to pursue their interest and whenever possible introduce them to other young people or au pairs in your area.

FEES (we do not charge registration fees)

• The total fee for 6-12 months Au pair is £250
• The total fees for 6-12 months Au pair plus is £350
• The total fee for 6-12 months Mothers Help / Nanny is from £450/£600+

PROMISE

Konnex International Limited will use all it’s resource to ensure that all the applicants are vetted and matched to your requirements with minimum fuss or bother to you.

There is always a member of staff that is available to discuss and clarify any problems or issues you might have with your Au pairs, Au pair plus, Mothers Help or Nannies.

Konnex International will continue to offer mutual appraisal to help identify, prevent and resolve problems or concerns that you or your Au pair might have during the preliminary stages of their stay and thereafter.

If you want to register, please visit the registration page.