Key elements of an au pair contract
Welcoming an au pair into your home is a journey of learning and shared experiences — for your family and for your au pair. To keep things smooth and harmonious, a well-thought-out au pair contract is essential. It sets out the expectations and responsibilities of both sides and acts as a safeguard if any misunderstanding arises. Here's what to include, and why it matters.
Essential details
Every contract starts with the basics: key information about both the host family and the au pair, including passport numbers, visa details and banking information. This makes all the formalities clear from the outset.
Au pair duties
A core part of the contract, this section sets out the au pair's responsibilities. From nurturing the child's development to keeping them safe and looking after their hygiene, the duties should cover all aspects of care. It's also worth specifying tasks like preparing meals, organising play areas and arranging educational outings, so the au pair's role is fully clear.
Host family responsibilities
The au pair's wellbeing matters as much as the care they provide. This section sets out the host family's obligations, including covering living costs such as food, utilities and work-related transport. It also stresses the importance of a private living space, respecting the au pair's working hours and days off, and offering support during illness.
Au pair responsibilities
Clear boundaries and expectations make for a harmonious home. This part covers the au pair's work ethic and standards of behaviour, emphasising professionalism and respect for the host family's home, privacy and rules.
Australian dollars
Specify the currency as Australian dollars (AUD) throughout the contract to avoid any confusion about the financial terms. If your au pair isn't familiar with our currency, send them a link to a converter such as Australia Post's currency converter — but avoid writing converted values into the contract.
Signatures
The contract ends with the signatures of both the host family and the au pair, confirming mutual agreement to the terms. Attaching copies of official identification — passports or driver's licences — adds an extra layer of security and trust.
Get started with our au pair contract template for Australia
For our premium users, we provide an au pair contact sample for Australia. In our member area you will find the download link in the main navigation or on the dashboard, once you have found an au pair. Having read and agreed to our disclaimer, you can download our sample au pair contract as a word document and customise it to your specific needs.
As mentioned before, you must be a premium member to download the sample au pair contract. If you are currently not an active member, find options on our pricing page.
If you feel insecure or if you have specific questions about your au pair contract, feel free to contact our team by chat or email. Our experienced staff, including former Australian host families, will help you.
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