GENERAL INFORMATION
FOR APPLICANTS
FOR FAMILIES
If you are a family looking for an Au Pair, Mother's Help, Nanny,Housekeeper, or Companion - Carer for the Elderly, my Domestic Staff and Au Pair Agency can help you!
How I can help you find your Housekeeper
Please do not confuse the role of a Housekeeper with that of a Cleaner....the work of a House Keeper goes way beyond that of a Cleaner, and the applicant should be able to take complete care of running your Household.
When sourcing a Housekeeper for you, I look for a person who can show previous experience of working in a busy, large and demanding household, working for a previous employer who in all probability had the same particular standards as you.
I am only interested in Applicants who are used to both working on their own initiative, but who are adaptable enough to both take and remember instructions, so that your Household is run in a way that suits you.
Some of my housekeepers are also excellent cooks, and may even be able to assist in catering for your dinner parties.
Some different Duties that may be undertaken by House Keepers include:
•Taking care of all general household duties, such as cleaning, vacuuming, dusting etc
•Polishing silver, brass
•Watering Indoor plants / Flower arranging
•Shopping
•Organising wardrobes, shelves, cupboards
•Laundry, ironing to high standard.
•Dealing with Workmen – book appointments / supervise work.
•Taking messages
•Helping at dinner parties
•Cooking or preparing food
•Occasional childcare
As of mid2009, a guide to approx London salaries for Live in staff would be £350-400net Live in, and £400 – 500 net Live out.
For part time Staff, the pay would be from £9-10 net per hour +++
Working Hours
Full time housekeepers work usually an 8 - 10 hour day, between the Hours of 7.30am -7.30pm. Although this is flexible according to the individual position, all must have periods of rest. Some housekeepers are happy to work during the weekend, perhaps half or whole of Saturday in exchange for a day off during the week.
To apply for a Housekeeper click here.
How I can help you find your Nanny/ Mother's Help
All candidates put forward by Norma Lewis Domestic Staff Agency are interviewed and vetted personally, and have references and CRB checks. (If the CRB has not yet been sent through, you will be informed).
Once you are registered with me, I can put forward a suitable Applicant to you, and arrange for you to interview your prospective Nanny.
If you wish, I can also provide you with suggestions for the type of questions that you may like to ask her on this interview, and give guidance on salary levels.
Then, after I have placed a Nanny with your Family, I can provide you with all the information you need to deal with your new payroll and tax liabilities.
I can even find a way to help you get some of your costs paid by the Government!
Additionally,if you wish, I can give you an idea of how to draw up a contract of employment for your new Nanny.
Let Norma Lewis Domestic Staff Agency help you make your life easier! To apply for a Nanny or Mother's Help click here.
TO HELP YOU FIND AN AU PAIR...
As a member of the British Association of Au Pair Agencies, I work to a high standard of professionalism amd integrity.
A “BAPAA” AGENCY OFFERS BENEFITS TO THE FAMILIES
• All Applicant documents must be in place for the family’s peace of mind – references / police check / medical certificate / Dear Family letter
• Full duties expected of the Au Pair are put in writing, so that there will be no misunderstandings when the Au Pair arrives.
• Discounts on Paediatric First aid courses.
• Discounted Family outing Tickets to various places, including, e.g. Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers, Sea Life Centres, and Legoland.
• 24 Hour emergency telephone cover.
• A professional service from a fully accountable Agency.
Norma Lewis Domestic Staff Agency places both Male and Female long-term Au Pairs applicants, as well as Summer Placements.
I have an understanding from the Client's viewpoint as to what it is you need from an Au Pair - as a working Mother with grown up children, I have myself benefited from having Au Pairs for many years. Some of these Au Pairs are still in contact with my family some 20 years later, and are now married with chidren of their own!
As a Parent myself, I am always aware that an Au Pair is another Parent's son or daughter, and like to ensure that the Au Pair is treated accordingly. I feel it very important that the Au Pairs are treated well by their Host Families, and therefore take time to explain the ECAPS Guidelines covering the Au Pair Scheme to both Parties.
By taking this time to ensure that each Party understands what is expected of the other, the Au Pair should settle well into life with your Family.
My aim is to find the right Au Pair for you, and the right Family for the Au Pair! To apply for an Au Pair click here
Need any help AFTER the Au Pair, Mother's Help,Nanny or Housekeeper or Companion - Carer is placed?
With the best will in the world, sometimes problems may arise once the successful applicant starts his /her placement with your Family. (This can happen especially in the case of language / communication difficulties).
In these instances, should you need any assistance or mediation between yourself and your Au Pair, Mother's Help or Nanny,then I am only a 'phone call away.
Additionally, I maintain regular contact with my Families through informative newsletters (sent by e -mail).
And finally....
For your peace of mind, you should read through the full Terms of Business section on this website.
Best Wishes,
Norma Lewis
Copyright © 2008 Norma Lewis Domestic Staff
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