Why us?

Swedish Connection was established in 1998, and since then has been successfully matching families and au pairs across London. We do this through the use of our extensive contacts; matching both parties’ preferences and needs, ensuring that detailed references are obtained, and providing background information to both parties. In doing this,  so as to smooth the settling-in process.

Most of the au pairs I place are Swedish, but I also place many au pairs from the rest of Europe. Once they have arrived, they are part of the network of all our au pairs in London, with access to a telephone list, an online social networking group, and monthly au pair meetings.

The ‘matchmaking’ process

The process starts with the completion of the application form, for both families and potential applicants. Having received these details, I will personally interview applicants before passing on their details to you, which will include the application form, a personal letter, CV, references, photos, school grades, and copies of a police check and medical certificate. With this information, the family can then choose which applicants they wish to contact personally, and when both parties are happy, the final arrangements can be made.

Choosing the right person

Below are brief descriptions of each kind of child carer: au pair, au pair plus, Mother’s Help, and nanny.

▪ Au Pair

A young person aged between 17 and 27 who provides childcare in exchange for living with a family abroad. Au pairs usually come to England to gain a greater understanding of English, and to experience a new culture. They can work up to 25 hours per week, as well as up to 3 evenings babysitting. Pocket money starts from £70 per week.

▪ Au Pair Plus

The same as an au pair, but they must come from within the EU. They can work from 26 to 38 hours per week. Pocket money starts from £80 per week for up to 30 hours; £90 for 35 hours; £100 for 38 hours.

▪ Mother’s Help

A carer who holds no professional qualifications, but who has practical experience and a genuine interest in children. Many Mother’s Helps have previously worked as an au pair for a year in London. A Mother’s Help can have sole charge of toddlers and older children. They can work up to 8-10 hours per day, as well as up to 2 evenings babysitting. Salaries £130 - £200 net for a live-in position.

▪ Nanny

A person aged 18+ who has either formal childcare qualifications, for example NNEB, BTEC or ADCE; or a former Mother’s Help / au pair with several years’ experience. A nanny is someone who looks after your child/children in your home. Nannies can have sole charge of your child/children, and take responsibility for all duties relating to the children, including cooking, washing and ironing for them, as well as cleaning the children’s bedrooms and playroom.

A live-in nanny may not work for more than 12 hours per day, plus up to 2 evenings babysitting per week. Live-in nannies usually earn £250 - £400 net per week. Salaries depend on the nanny’s age and level of experience.

Live-out nannies usually work fixed hours, with normal working hours being 8am - 6pm. Babysitting is paid separately, upon agreement. Salaries are usually £8 - £10 net per hour.

The family’s responsibilities to the au pair

▪ To welcome the au pair into their family, treat him/her as part of the family and help him/her learn about your culture.

▪ To provide the au pair with private room, full board and lodging.

▪ To make a happy and safe environment for everyone in the family.

▪ To register the au pair with the family's doctor.

▪ To inform the au pair of his/her duties, free time and pocket money in a welcome letter.

▪ To give the au pair a little time to settle into his/her new way of life and for the family to get used to having a new person in their home.

▪ To have a little patience and understanding. This is required by both the au pair and the family.

The family’s responsibilities to the mother’s help/nanny

▪ Register as an employer

▪ Use the PAYE system (Pay As You Earn), to pay income tax and National Insurance contributions for your nanny. This only applies if you pay your nanny more than £105 per week.

▪ Keep tax records on behalf of the nanny

▪ Provide regular payslips

▪ Provide an employment contract

▪ Pay National Insurance contributions as an employer

▪ File an employer’s annual tax return

Alternatively, you can employ a payroll agency to operate the PAYE system on your behalf. More information on the above can be found on the government’s website, or on the Nannytax website.

Registration

Please send or fax your completed Family Application Form to:

Swedish Connection Au Pair Agency

84 Fitzjohn Avenue

Barnet, Herts.

EN5 2HW

England

Or send it via email to:

marie@swedishconnection.co.uk