Terms and Conditions of Business for Au Pairs

General Conditions
1. Whilst these are the conditions for the placement of au pairs they do not exclude the terms and conditions for the placement of Nannies and other child carers.

2. 'The Agency', refers to Nanny Search Limited. 'The Client' or 'Host Family', refers to a person or company or other third party who engages The Agency to seek a suitable au pair, nanny or other child carer for an agreed fee. 'The Au Pair' and 'The Candidate', refer to a person who is registered with The Agency and who fulfils the qualifications for the purpose of seeking placement with a client family. 'Temporary' and 'Summer Au Pair' refer to an au pair engaged by The Client on the prior condition of a fixed and stated period during which the employment is to continue.

3. These terms and conditions shall in all respects apply to and govern all contracts of agreements between The Client and the Agency. No employee of The Agency has power to vary these Terms and Conditions save by a notice in writing issued by The Agency and signed by the proprietors.

4. The agency shall only register the client upon receipt of a duly completed Application Form.

5. All information and conditions detailed below under Agency Fees shall be taken as forming part of these Terms and Conditions and all due fees set out there shall be deemed payable to The Agency by the Client.

6. The Client shall be wholly responsible for obtaining any work permits and/or for satisfying any medical, safety, or qualification requirements, as required by law. Hours and pay of all categories must be clearly defined in both the family application form and the letter of invitation.

7. Nanny Search reserves the right to use its own discretion in any situation involving a problem not covered in this document.

Booking The Au Pair
1. All Bookings of candidates introduced by or through the Agency must be made with or through the agency.

2. The Client must inform The Agency immediately an engagement is confirmed with the Au Pair. Upon confirmation The Client hereby agrees to supply The Agency with a letter of invitation addressed to the candidate. The exact date of commencement of employment must be given at this time.

3. Host Families wishing to re-employ candidates introduced to them by the agency must rebook through the agency, not directly through the candidate. The agency's engagement fee will apply.

Engagement Fees
1. All invoices are payable with the letter of introduction and before the au pair arrives in the UK or commences employment, whichever being first. A late surcharge of £50.00 applies to all accounts if paid after the applicant has commenced employment with the client.

2. The Agency shall be entitled to charge interest on any fees unpaid, at the rate of 25% of the fee.

3. All details concerning The Au Pair, which are passed to The Client by The Agency or directly by The Au Pair following introduction by The Agency, are confidential. In the event of The Client passing any such details to another person, resulting in an engagement of The Au Pair by that person or any other, The Client shall be liable for The Agency's normal fees as though they themselves had engaged The Au Pair.

4. Should The Client extend the engagement period of a Temporary Au Pair or re-engage or use in any capacity the services of any former Au Pair or Temporary Au Pair or other candidate introduced by The Agency within a period of twelve calendar months from the end of the period of employment, the Client will be liable for the full Engagement Fee, as detailed below.

Cancellation Charges and Refunds before arrival
1. If the Au Pair cancels before her arrival, (but after the issue of a letter of invitation) either a suitable replacement will be found or a refund of fees will be given.

2. If the Client should cancel during this time, 50% of the fee will be refunded.

Unsatisfactory placements
1. In the event of an au pair proving unsuitable The Client must notify The Agency in writing within the first two weeks of engagement and return the au pair to the Agency for replacement. It is the Client's responsibility to confirm the actual date of arrival with Nanny Search so that this 14-day period is established. The Agency will provide a replacement or refund the Placement fee whichever The Agency, at its absolute discretion, shall think fit and provided that:

• The Agency has received written notification stating the reason for unsuitability within the above mentioned 14 days
• There are reasonable grounds for finding the au pair's work or behaviour unsatisfactory during this period and that
• The Placement fee has been paid in full on or before the date of commencement.

2. The Agency must be given one month from the date of termination to find a suitable replacement. If during this period the Client makes alternative arrangements no refund will be given.

3. If there are reasonable grounds for considering the family's treatment of the au pair unsatisfactory or unfair, no replacement or refund will be offered and the client will be liable for any additional expense incurred.

Whilst every care is taken to introduce suitable candidates, the final responsibility for any decision to employ The Au Pair rests with The Client, who is therefore strongly advised to check details, documentation and references personally. The Agency shall not offer any warranty as to the history, suitability, honesty, character, medical fitness or capability of any Au Pair. The Agency or any of its employees cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, cost, injury or inconvenience caused by any Au Pair or arising from the introduction of any Au Pair.

No replacement will be offered if the fee is not paid at the required time.