Terms and Conditions

 1. The term ‘Client’ refers to the family looking for an au pair. The term ‘agency’ refers to Osborne Au Pairs.

2. The agency provides an introduction service between the family and the au pair. When the host family have instructed the agency to match them with a suitable au pair a profile of the host family will be completed by the Agency and this will form part of the contract of agreement between the agency and the client.

3. These Terms and Conditions shall be incorporated into and govern the contract of agreement between the Agency and the Client at all times.

4. All introduction details concerning both the families and the au pairs must be treated as confidential.

5. Our placement fees are £175 for a 3 month placement, £295 for a 6 month placement and £475.00 for a placement for 12 months. If booking a 3 month au pair a £30 discount is offered for a further booking of a 6 month or 12 month au pair. Fees for the Agency services are due when the client verbally or in writing makes an offer to an au pair and that offer has been accepted verbally or in writing by the au pair. The invoice is payable within 7 days of issue. Invoices not paid within 7 days will incur a surcharge.

6. Travel arrangements for the au pair cannot be made until we are in receipt of the full placement fee.

7. In the unlikely event that the au pair decides to cancel after initial acceptance the agency will find a replacement or refund the fee. If the family decides to cancel after the au pair has accepted, half of the placement fee will be payable. The family will also be responsible for reimbursing the au pair for any loss of travel expenses incurred at that time.

8. Should either the client or the au pair decide to end the placement after it has commenced the agency must be notified. The party that wishes to end the agreement must give the other party at least two weeks notice during which time accommodation meals and pocket money should be provided for the au pair and the au pair should fulfil their usual duties. Exceptions to this notice period would be in cases of gross misconduct by the au pair that would warrant summary dismissal or unreasonable behaviour by the family, which has caused the au pair to complain to the agency of abuse or mistreatment by the client, their family or acquaintances. The agency cannot be held liable for any consequential or economic losses that may arise due to the placement being terminated.

9. The agency cannot guarantee that the au pair will stay for the agreed term of the placement. The agency will guarantee a replacement au pair for the period of 4 weeks following commencement of the placement. The agency will endeavour to find a replacement within 28 days or refund the fees. Replacements will not be offered or refunds given if the au pair terminated the placement because of the family’s unreasonable behaviour. In the event of a replacement there is a £25 fee to cover administration costs.


10. If you pass any details concerning an au pair who has been introduced to you by the agency to another person resulting in the au pair’s engagement you will be liable for our placement fees as though you had engaged the au pair yourself. The family also agrees not to request the au pair provided by the agency, to introduce another au pair to them or to another family of their acquaintance.

11. The client or any member of the family who will reside in their home must not be a potential risk to the au pair and it is deemed that the host family will treat the au pair with respect and keep to the hours to be worked agreed between them.

12. The agency accepts no liability of any kind for any inconvenience, loss or damage of property, or any loss or injury howsoever arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, of any applicant introduced to the client by the agency even if such an act or omission is negligent, fraudulent or dishonest.

13. Although the agency takes every care to check the applicant’s details, the agency cannot be held responsible for any incorrect information. The final responsibility for any decision to employ the au pair rests with the client who is STRONGLY ADVISED TO CHECK REFERENCES AND DOCUMENTATION PERSONALLY; the agency cannot offer any warranty as to the suitability, honesty, character or capability of any applicant although every effort is made to do so.

14. The family must understand that the au pair scheme is a cultural exchange and not a contract of work. It is the family’s responsibility to integrate the au pair into their family life as much as possible. Assist them learning English and treat the au pair as part of their family.

15. The agency will produce a profile of your family as specified by you. We ask that as your requirements change that you keep the agency informed of any material changes, which might affect the placement. This profile is only for use by the agency and cannot be reproduced or used for third parties unless the agency is in agreement.