Mothers Help

Generally our Mother’s Helps originate from Australia, Canada and New Zealand travelling under the Youth Mobility Visa Scheme.  Most applicants are fluent in English and adapt well to the British lifestyle.  Some may have already completed a similar programme in another country and now wish to continue their career in the UK.   All positions are live-in.  We also offer British nationals wishing to follow an employment path in childcare.

A Mother’s Help normally helps out in the home working alongside the parent.  He / she will provide a few extra hours work compared to an au pair’s hours on duty.
Under the supervision of the employer a Mother’s Help works between 36 – 45 hours per week including two evenings babysitting.
Generally our Mother’s Helps have not attended any formal childcare training course, but will be able to present good references illustrating previous experience caring for children.

A Mother’s Help is expected to:
* have had some experience in child care, but is not expected to have had any formal training
* be treated as a member of the host family
* be provided with full board, their own bedroom, probably shared bathroom facilities and full-board

Whilst Mother’s Helps are not domestic cleaners, duties can include childcare, light housework, washing and ironing.  Often these candidates are happy to help out with school runs, after school activities, play-dates and help educate the child in a creative and positive manner.  They are a welcoming extra pair of hands to a busy active family.  All duties should be discussed and agreed in advance with the Mothers' Help you hire.

Our experienced Counsellors will be able to help you select the most suitable candidate according to your preferences to help you with your child’s specific needs, be it someone sporty, an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or an applicant with artistic or musical skills.

Salary should be according to age, experience and the number of working hours required.

Salary must be in line with National Minimum Wage rates  https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

There is an amount which can be deducted weekly for accommodation:  https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-accommodation

We strongly recommend that all salaries are agreed on a gross basis.  It is the host family’s responsibility to ensure that tax and N.I. contributions are paid where applicable
We will be pleased to recommend you to our payroll specialist for guidance

Holidays:  According to Working Time Regulations BAPAA recommends the the UK basic holiday allowance of 28 days per annum should apply or 1.66 days per month pro-rata if the placement is shorter than one year.
This can include public and bank holidays.  If the family requires their candidate to go on holiday with them this must be discussed and agreed prior to employment commencement. All travels expenses, food and weekly wage will need to be covered.