If you just need an extra pair of hands an au pair or Mother Help may suit your needs. Au Pairs can be any EU nationality and can be here for up to one year - they can work a maximum of 25 hours per week. They are not allowed to have sole charge of the children apart from occasional baby sitting.

The au pair system was devised so that girls ( and a very few boys) could travel around Europe safely and become 'one of the family' they are not normally treated as employees. Many will pay their own travel expenses although many families make a contribution. An au pair is here to learn, firstly the English language and secondly any evening or day courses at local colleges covering IT, languages etc.

Many families have used au pairs for years and in some instances the friendships last many years there have even been some instances of an ex au pair becoming a God Mother to her charges children. The 'pocket money' paid to an au pair is around £50 per week, extra being paid for any laundry or cleaning done.

A Mothers Help is the next step up from an au pair and often these girls live in with families. Mothers Helps are governed by English working conditions regarding hours and must be paid at least the minimum wage.

A Mothers Help would not expect to have sole charge of the children for more than a couple of hours a day and baby sitting and should assist a non-working or part time working mother. They would be expected to do more cooking cleaning and clothes washing within their main duties. Many girls take this type of post when they are newly qualified - just out of College.