Q. What is an Au Pair?

A. Au Pairs are young adults between the ages of 18 and 28 who come to Australia and live as an extended member of their host family. Au Pairs generally provide 25-35 hours per week of childcare in exchange for room, board, a small weekly stipend.

Q. Are all Au Pairs female?

A. No. While the majority of Au Pairs are women, there are both male and female Au Pairs.

Q. Who sponsors the Au Pair's visa?

A. Au Pair’s arrange the visa themselves. A helpful link is www.immi.gov.au

Q. Do Au Pairs have previous experience with children?

A. Yes, All our Au Pairs are fully trained and experienced in child care.

Q. How long can an Au Pair stay with the Host Family?

A. An Au Pair's stay can vary from 4 months to 12 months. Generally for Australia most people get a 1 Year working holiday visa. Please check the above website for further information.

Q. What countries do the Au Pairs come from?

A. We have applicants from various countries.

Q. Do the Au Pairs speak English?

A. Yes, mostly Au Pairs speak English, but some Au Pairs who are fluent in other languages might not speak English fluently and this would be advised to the Host Family in advance.

Q. Do the Au Pair’s drive?

A. Most Au Pair applicants have a valid International driver's license. Please feel free to Inquire during the telephone interview about the extent of driving experience the Au Pair has if s/he will be responsible for driving your children.

Q. What if we don't like our Au Pair or if it doesn't work out for some other reason?

A. Our Staff will attempt to help both you and your Au Pair sort through any issues. The team at Nanny Australia will take necessary steps to ensure we can replace and assist in the shortest time frame.

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Q. Do the Au Pair’s have car insurance?

A. No. Please consult your insurance company.

Q. Do the Au Pair’s have Private Health insurance?

A. Yes, Au Pairs are required to have private health insurance prior to their arrival in Australia.

Q. What is the difference between an Au Pair and a Nanny?

A. An Au Pair is a person who comes from overseas for a cultural exchange and to learn English and provides child care service to the Host family in return for some money. Au Pairs are child carers who always live in with the host family and are treated as an extended family member. Au Pairs generally work for longer periods ie 6 months to 12 months.

While Nannies are generally Australian residents and can be available for work for both short term and long term.

Q. Can the program accommodate special needs?

A. We are happy to discuss your special needs on a case-by-case basis.

Q. Are there other Au Pairs in the area?

A. Yes, sometimes we are able to provide your Au Pair the details of other Au Pairs in the area. Your Au Pair should be allowed to meet other Au Pairs in their free time.

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Q. Is it necessary to have back-up child care when I have an Au Pair?

A. In most cases we ensure your Au Pair arrives at the time advised to you. However there can be some unforeseen reasons due to which the Au Pair arrival is delayed in which case we will try and arrange a temporary replacement till such time.

Financial

Q. How much do I have to pay up front?

A. There is no upfront fee, however when you confirm the booking with a particular applicant a booking fee of $80.00 will apply followed by a placement fee once arrival has been confirmed.

Q. Is the booking fee refundable?

A. No, the booking fee is not refundable.

Q. What does the Placement Fee cover?

A. Recruitment and screening of the Au Pair candidate, police clearance report and medical history check in the Au Pair's home country, interviews and placement.

Q. How much do I pay my Au Pair?

A. Au Pairs are paid based on a 25-35 hour workweek. Payment are starting from (AUD)$150 per week depending on the work load and tasks assigned. The hourly rate is $8.00 an hour.

Q. How do I pay my Au Pair?

A. You need to pay your Au Pair on a weekly basis, say every Friday. She can either open a bank account or you can pay her cash.

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