Household Rules & Expectations
A note before you start. This works best as a conversation, not a set of orders. Fill it in together with your helper during her first week, going through each section so she understands not just the rule but the reason behind it. Agree the details, write them down, and keep a copy where you can both find it. Revisit it any time your household’s needs change.
1. Our household
Family members living here
- Name / how to address them:
- Name / how to address them:
- Name / how to address them:
Children (ages, school times, routines, any allergies)
Elderly or family members needing extra care
Pets (type, name, care needs)
2. A typical day
A rough daily rhythm helps everyone settle. This is a guide, not a stopwatch.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Start of the day | |
| Breakfast | |
| Lunch | |
| Dinner | |
| End of the working day |
Agreed working hours: from to , with breaks at .
Every helper needs proper rest and reasonable breaks, including time to eat and to sleep. Build the day around a fair and realistic workload.
3. Main duties
Tick what applies and add detail. Being specific about what “done well” looks like keeps expectations clear and fair.
- Cooking — details:
- General cleaning — details:
- Laundry and ironing — details:
- Grocery shopping — details:
- Childcare — details:
- Elderly care — details:
- Pet care — details:
- Other — details:
Things to always check with us first
4. Rest day and time off
- Weekly rest day: (at least one full day in every seven)
- Preferred arrangement: the same day each week flexible, agreed together each week
- Statutory holidays: as set out in the Standard Employment Contract (ID407)
- Annual leave plans / home visit:
The rest day is the helper’s own time. She is free to spend it as she wishes, whether that is out with friends or resting at home.
5. Home access and keys
- Keys provided: yes no — details:
- Entry / alarm procedure: (explain this in person; take care where you write down any codes)
- Locking up at night or when everyone is out:
6. Phone, internet and visitors
- Wi-Fi available for personal use during breaks and rest time: yes no
- Personal phone use during working hours: (e.g. brief or urgent family calls)
- Visitors to the home:
- We would also ask that:
Staying in touch with family back home matters enormously to most helpers. A fair, clearly understood phone arrangement helps her feel settled.
7. Kitchen and food
- Meals provided by the household: yes a food allowance is given instead (see the Standard Employment Contract)
- Foods the family eats often / prefers to avoid:
- The helper is welcome to cook food from home:
- Shared items vs. anything kept separate:
Every helper is entitled to adequate food. Where a food allowance is given instead of meals, the minimum amount is set by the government — see our pricing page and FAQs for the current figure.
8. Safety and emergencies
- In an emergency, call 999 (police / fire / ambulance).
- Household emergency contact: /
- Nearest clinic or hospital:
- Building fire exit / assembly point:
- First-aid kit is kept:
- Gas, water and electricity mains:
9. How we talk to each other
- The best way to raise a question or a worry:
- We will tell you clearly and kindly when something needs to change, and we ask you to do the same with us.
- Optional weekly check-in (day / time):
- Notes for clear communication (preferred language, anything helpful):
A calm, respectful home is good for everyone in it. When something is unclear, please ask — we would always rather you asked than guessed.
Agreed together on: (date)
Keep a copy each. Review and update it whenever your household’s needs change.