Au Pair Scotland has been founded by nursery nurse Carol Robertson, who set up Anerley House Nannies, based in Brechin, in December 1999.
'This grew out of the links which we have made through nanny agencies in other countries,' said Ms Robertson. She said she has arrangements in place with agencies in Russia, Turkey, Spain and France for the translation of references and the vetting of potential employees.
She stressed that au pairs are not qualified nannies or domestic servants and cannot be expected to take sole responsibility for children or household duties. They are young people who come to the UK primarily to learn English.
Au Pair Scotland, which has 26 au pairs currently waiting for placements, operates on three employment levels. Part-time au pairs, whose main duty is babysitting, should work between two to three hours a day on a five-day basis, usually consistently in the morning or evening. They should expect to be paid about 25 a week.
An au pair carrying out childcare and light housework and babysitting, working about five hours a day, five days a week, should expect 50. 'Au pair plus', a level only open to those from EC countries, means eight hours work a day and about 80.
Ms Robertson said that au pairs are entitled to free time to study or pursue other interests. Two days a week must be completely free and they should receive free board and lodging.
'It's very important to set out these conditions clearly,' said Ms Robertson. 'Au pairs have often had a very bad press, quite unfairly, and people have taken advantage of that to exploit the situation.
'With my international contacts I know that an agency in Russia will vouch for anyone sent over here. So, in a sense, they are vetted over there and then by me. It's reassuring for the au pair and the family that wants to employ them. In the end it ensures the home is well run with a happy atmosphere.'