GENERAL INFORMATION

FOR APPLICANTS

 FOR FAMILIES

BAPAA LOgoBAPAA and What It Means To You

Norma Lewis Domestic Staff is proud to be a member of the British Association of Au Pair Agencies, ensuring that a professional, friendly and ethical service is given.

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.

A “BAPAA” AGENCY OFFERS BENEFITS TO AU PAIRS

  • Discounted trips and outings with “International  Friends.”
    The programme this year features a number of BAPAA special weekend day trips, as well as a BAPAA special weekend in London at the end of May. Come and do some sightseeing, go shopping and make some new friends!
  • International Students House, London
    For Au Pairs like to visit the capital, don’t forget that ISH are now offering membership to BAPAA Au Pairs at the discounted rate of £12.50 per year, (other rates apply for shorter periods of membership). 
    Members can use all the ISH facilities, attend gigs and events, access hostel accommodation and join the ISH Travel Club (at a cost of £5 for 3 months) to benefit from discounted travel.
  • Free  O2 “your country” sim cards.
  • A free “Welcome to the UK” Handbook (Usual price £5.99)
  • 24 hour emergency Telephone cover.
  • A BAPAA owned and run website to help you find other Au Pairs in your area, and make new Friends.

 

Q) BUT WHY IS THE ROLE OF BAPAA SO IMPORTANT? 
A) THERE IS NO LONGER AN ACTUAL AU PAIR SCHEME  SUPERVISED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

Subsequent to the UK being in the EU, the Government has closed the Au Pair Scheme, as every EU citizen has the right to live and work in the UK without needing to come as an Au pair in order to gain the right to entry.

Instead, Au Pairs are now included in the Youth Mobility Scheme, which as well as including any member of the EU, also incorporates youth (subject to various criteria and the Points System) from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Canada.

As a consequence to this change, the Home Office no longer enforces the official guidelines for the Au Pair programme, as originally laid out in the European Agreement on Au Pair Placements. (Strasbourg, 1969.)

BAPAA -  ASSURES YOU OF HIGH AGENCY STANDARDS.

  • BAPAA is the only recognised Trade Association for the Au Pair industry in Britain. This non -commercial organisation was formed with the purpose of setting standards for the Au Pair industry within our country. Members must meet required business and ethical standards, and agree to abide by BAPAA's strict code of conduct, showing competence and professionalism, fair dealing, and a high level of integrity.
  • An agency belonging to BAPAA is committed to looking after their Au Pairs, as well as making sure that the Au Pair experience remains the rewarding and happy cultural exchange programme that is intended to be.
  • We liaise with the International Au Pair Association – providing standards of Service and Care to both Families and Applicants that are recognised worldwide.
  • We belong to ECAPS – the European Committee for Au Pair Standards, established in April 2006, with the object of defining Au Pair standards throughout Europe. It has drafted 1 set of guidelines and rules for Au Pairs, Host families and Au pair Agencies. (For further information see www.ecapsweb.eu )

SO, HAPPY FAMILIES + HAPPY GIRLS = HAPPY AGENCIES!


Best Wishes
Norma Lewis
Norma Lewis Domestic Staff

 

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