1. We,* __________________________________, confirm that we have read all written materials provided by the au pair agency and that we fulfil all criteria. We understand that the au pair programme is a cultural exchange programme and not a contract of work and we shall treat our au pair as a member of the family and not hired help.
2. We confirm that we have answered all questions honestly and that all information in our application (including description of au pair duties) is true.
3. We shall not encourage our au pair to travel to our family before we have agreed the placement with the agency and our au pair has obtained a proper visa (if required). After receiving confirmation of placement, we shall stay in touch with our au pair and shall arrange to pick her ** up at the nearest airport or train station on her arrival in the host country.
4. We shall give the au pair pocket money as specified in the programme guidelines and agreed with the au pair agency and this will be paid weekly in arrears.
5. We are familiar with an agree to abide by all programme guidelines regarding: the number and distribution of working hours, au pair duties, pocket money, free time, holidays, language courses, transportation costs, the termination of the au pair arrangement and any other related conditions.
6. Upon arrival in our home, we shall discuss with our au pair in detail our and her expectations of the au pair arrangement, including a written or verbal explanation of the weekly or daily routine, her precise duties, time off and advice on handling the children. We are aware that she will need time to adjust to her new surroundings and responsibilities and shall, accordingly, provide our au pair with a familiarisation period.
7. We understand that we are inviting the au pair in our home primarily to take care of our children. We understand that we can also ask the au pair to undertake light household duties and make a fair contribution to the cleanliness of the "common" areas of our home in addition to keeping her own room clean and tidy.
8. We shall give our au pair regular reports on her progress and performance throughout her stay.
9. We shall set house rules (e.g. use of telephone and facilities within the home, daytime and overnight visitors, smoking , etc.) and discuss these with our au pair.
10. We shall discuss and agree the free time arrangements wuth the au pair well in advance.
11. We shall introduce our au pair to the culture of our country and assist in the learning of our language. We shall also ensure that our au pair has the opportunity to attend a language school on a regular basis. We understand that as participants of an Au Pair Cultural Exchange Programme we shall behave in a responsible manner and shall respect cultural differences and display tolerance towards our au pair.
12. We agree to ensure that at all times our children treat the au pair with respect and courtesy.
13. We realise that the success of the au pair programme depends largely on our own initiative. We shall try to intergrate our au pair into our family life and, should any problems arise, communicate with her and actively seek a solution.
14. We shall make every effort to resolve any differences with the au pair. If we have any problems or questions which cannot be discussed and resolved with the au pair, we shall contact the au pair agency for assistance.
15. If no solution can be reached and the Au Pair Cultural Exchange Programme needs to be terminated, we understand that a notice period of four weeks must be respected. During this notice period, the au pair shall perform normal duties and we shall continue to supply the au pair with room, board and pocket money.
16. We understand that we shall be expelled from the programme without compensation and that our au pair will be taken out of our home if:
- We fail to abide by this agreement and programme guidelines
- We have falsified or failed to disclose any material information in our application
- We accept the au pair in our home before receiving an official confirmation of placement from the au pair agency
- We are responsible for repeated problems with au pairs
17. We shall notify the au pair agency immediately if there are any changes to the information included in our application.
18. Should we decide to cancel our application for the Au Pair Cultural Exhange Programme, we shall inform the Au Pair agency immediately.
19. Shoud we decide to cancel our application for the Au Pair Cultural Exchange Programme after having advised the au pair agency of the chosen candidate, we agree to pay £50.00 cancellation fee and refund any monies paid for the appointed au pair's travel expenses to the host country.
20. We agree to pay the agency fee of £275.00 upon an agreement of a suitable au pair by the date agreed with the au pair agency.
21. The agency fee is fully refundable within the first 3 months of the au pair's arrival. Alternatively a free replacement will be offered. After the first 3 months if the au pair leaves due to gross misconduct from her side, a free replacement will be offered. Thereafter, a full agency fee will apply.
22. The type of Au Pair Programme you wish to undertake as a host family:
- Au Pair (up to 25 hours per week plus two evenings baby-sitting during the au pair's working days if needed)
- Au Pair Plus (up to 40 hours per week plus two evenings baby-sitting during the au pair's working days if needed)
23. By signing this agreement we confirm that we have read and understood all of the above mentioned points in this agreement and Au Pair Programme Guidelines document supplied by the au pair agency.
Date __________________________________
Signature of Host Mother _______________________________________
Name (in block capitals) _______________________________________
Signature of Host Father _______________________________________
Name (in block capitals) _______________________________________
___________________________________
* For purpose of clarity, the host family is referred to in this pledge in the plural form. All points apply to single parent host families as well.
** For purpose of clarity, the au pairs are referred to in this pledge in the feminine form. All points apply to male au pairs as well.
