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MUM'S ARMY LTD HOST FAMILY INFORMATION

WHAT IS AN AU PAIR? An Au Pair is a girl, not less than 18, who comes to this country to improve her spoken English. She lives, for a period of time, as a member of a resident English speaking family. Although the arrangement is made through this agency, the responsibility for the welfare of the girl rests with the family.   WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT HER TO DO? 1. She should live with, eat with and share the social life of the family as if she was a real member of it. The girl should observe and respect the families customs and ways. 2. Her working time should be up to 30 hours for £50.00 (25 hours for £45.00) with one or two days completely free. Her duties should be light housework - vacuuming, dusting, light washing, ironing and the preparation of meals. She is not a domestic servant. Although she is there to help with the children she should not be expected to be a replacement Nanny. The girls are not trained. It is up to the hostess to decide whether the girl is capable of being left in sole charge of the children.   HOW WILL SHE EXPECT TO BE TREATED? 1. You should treat her the same as you would your own daughter, remembering that she is a girl in her late 'teens' or early twenties, who does not go to work. 2. A member of the family should meet the young lady on arrival - usually from the airport or at least the train station. 3. She should have her own bedroom. 4. She should be given reasonable freetime to attend social activities, educational classes and places of interest. As one of your family the Au Pair should share the family holidays, if this is not possible mutually suitable arrangements must be made. Some girls like to go home for Christmas or Easter. You must allow the Au Pair one week paid holiday for every six months stay.