How much to pay an au-pair?

[Kendodd]

It would be live in, all meals provided, own large en-suite bedroom, use of washing machine etc. I would need them to look after three children ages 5, 6 and 7 between 3.30 and about 6pm Monday to Friday, so about 12.5 hours per week, term time. They would also need their own car because of our village location (ideally), although school pick up is only a very short walk away. I live in Devon.

I've always given ours about £50/week, paid for their English classes and any prescription charges. They seemed happy with that. 12.5 hours a week is also very reasonable in terms of hours (about half the upper limit)- you could ask her to do some stuff in the house as well when the children are at school, or an evening's babysitting. (I'm in Devon too btw- my au pairs went to Exeter College for their English classes, which were very good.)

PS: Google "Granny Au pair"- they might be just the ticket! Mostly dynamic German ladies in their 50s and 60s.

An au pair with own car is very unlikely. They are young and from abroad. You will need to either get a second car or insure on yours.

The use of washing machine is a perk? They are suppose to become a member of your family whilst learning English so you are supposed to treat the same way you would your family.

Depends on location, but I would say approx £100 a week, basic phone provided, English language lessons, and you would prob need to add incentives ie gym membership as most people will want to be in a city, so this might increase candidates.

Have you looked at just getting a local live out nanny? They would prob be £10 an hour which would be cheaper considering au pair will have food etc paid for also

I paid about £90 a week. But I had two hours of cleaning a day too.

How would u expect her to run a car and petrol on such a low Income??

Free use of washing machine???? Wow!

Free use of washing machine???? Wow!

Yes, I mentioned the washing machine just to demonstrate that our home would be their home.

I will look at the granny au-pair site, somebody older would be perfect.

Just had a look at Granny au-pair and had a thought, how does that fit in with age discrimination law?

I looked at the Granny AP site when looking for our AP and found they all expected to be paid a lot more than I was planning to pay (I am paying £80 per week).

So stuck with AP World looking for over-25s for car insurance purposes and found a few ones who looked good, chose one who is arriving this week.

You will have to provide a car if you require driving.

I deliberately avoid older aps. Unless they have decided to study at uni first and have the magic situation of no debt. At 18 the girls I have had are all very sensible and mature. But I do look carefully .. Facebook pages tell you so much! The issue i have with older aps is that in general they are people who have no direction .. No plans.. Not been to of failed further ed. no career plans.. My aps generally know what they want to do on return to their home countries. Have worked hard to get good school results. I talk to their families and build up a friendship with their parents too.
Maybe a generalisation but just what I have found.
Granny aps sound great! But wouldn't qualify for a visa in aus.

Au pairs usually work 20-25 hours a week - would it be worth upping the hours a bit to include some cleaning/ironing?

Normal pay is around £70 a week.

If she needs to drive, you need to provide a car.

Is it term time only? You need to think about how you will manage the holidays - will they all be paid holidays for the au pair?