MOTHER'S HELP explained
Smart au pairs and Mother’s help
At
smartaupairs we specialise in the introduction of ‘traditional’ au pairs. Young
people who come to Australia inmprove their language skills and enjoy the local cultural in exchange for help with the children and light
housework. An au pair should NOT have sole charge for a child under two.
Maximum hours for an au pair plus are really 30 hours per week, except during school holidays.
Often
parents ask us for a Mother’s help. This would be a person who is willing and
able to take on additional
responsibility, such as any or all of the following;
- Longer hours (35+)
- Care for younger
children (under 2) at times without parental presence
- Care for more
children (4+) at times without parental presence
Longer
hours often mean no/limited time to attend language classes. With younger
children (under 2) they must start work under the parent's supervision, rather
than taking charge, but there may be occasions when they need to have sole
charge.
Here
is a definition given by ‘Bestbear Childcare UK’ for a Mother’s help.
QUOTE
Mother's Helps are generally unqualified
nannies working alongside a mother, rather than having sole charge of the
children. Mother's Helps may work well for parents who work from home or
parents who work part-time and want housework and childcare combined.
Duties:
- Mother's Helps are expected to 'muck in' more
than nannies and as well as caring for the children under mum's
supervision, they are expected to help out with light housework and
shopping. Perfect for mums who need another pair of hands and don't expect
or need days of sole charge care.
- As the Mother's Help gains more and more
experience, they may be able take more responsibility and ultimately sole
charge. Some start out as a Mother's Help and gain enough experience to be
considered for nannying posts in their next job.
Qualifications:
A Mother's Help must be at least 18.
They may have no formal qualifications but should have good experience with
children. They may have cared for siblings, done regular babysitting or helped
out at a local playgroup.
UNQUOTE
When we introduce a
Mother’s help, we look for any (or all) of the following;
·
Strong language skills
·
Childcare
experience & references
·
Childcare
qualifications, first aid etc.
Our fee for the placement
of a Mother’s help candidate is higher than placing an au pair. Our standard terms of business apply. Please
see our fees & terms on www.smartaupairs.com.au
The Agency operates as an
introductory service and will endeavor to introduce suitable applicants. It is
the responsibility of the Client to be satisfied as to the suitability of the
applicant. Here are some suggestions to help you assess the suitability of the
applicant.
During your selection
process, please consider the following;
·
Perform
an extensive telephone interview and ask for detailed information about their
childcare experience, age range, frequency, duration etc. We provide
suggestions for interview questions once you activate your search.
·
Ask
candidates to explain their qualifications and how long it took them to
qualify.
·
If
you wish to perform your own reference check, we provide checked references and
you are free to make contact and have a detailed conversation. If the referee
does not speak English, we have access to a network of language speakers. A
detailed reference check with written report can be provided on request at an
additional charge.
·
Agree
and provide a contract (we supply a template)
Mother's Help
- May work up to 10 hours, 5 days per week
- Baby sits 2-3 evenings per week
- Receives at least 1 full free day and 3 evenings off
- Pay minimum $180 for 25 hours + $10 for extra hours
- Pay for longer hours $230 = 30 hours, $280 = 35 hours, $330 = 40 hours,
- More responsibility, younger children and/or longer hours, more housework
For more information about the placement fees, please see our fees page.