Frequently Asked Questions for Families and Nannies
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Nanny
Nannies need to be certified, with practical qualifications and extensive experience in child care. Nannies are often in sole charge of children in their care, and so need to be experienced in caring for children of all ages. Nannies tend to work full time (40+ hours per week), with child care being their main role. They can be expected to complete light duties around the house if agreed upon. Nannies tend to be over 25 years of age.
Accommodation: Depending upon the circumstances, nannies can be live-in, or live-out. Nannies are often required to have their own transport in order to be able to carry out their duties effectively, so living elsewhere is not an issue.
Income: According to their qualifications and experience, nannies earn more than au pairs or mother's helpers. Live-in nannies can usually expect to earn about $300-$350 per week. Live-out nannies can expect to earn approximately an extra $100.
Au Pair
An au pair is considered to be the eldest child in the house. They are often young travellers between the ages of 18 and 22. They tend to come from a foreign country to learn about the culture, language and way of life of their family. A typical working week is about 30+ hours, with babysitting duties expected about 2 nights per week. They are often solely in charge of the children in their care, and can be expected to help out with light household duties.
Mother’s Helper
A mother’s helper is often a second pair of hands for the family. They help with daily chores around the house and caring for the children. Mother’s helpers can be in sole charge on occasion, but are often working in tandem with the family. A mother’s helper tends to work about 35+ hours per week, plus extra babysitting duties at night as agreed upon. Mother’s helpers tend to be over the age of 20.
Accommodation for au pairs/mother’s helpers: Both roles tend to be live-in positions, especially for au pairs who do not usually have a permanent place to reside in their new country.
Income for au pairs/mother’s helpers: Income is again dependent on experience and duties undertaken, but au pairs can expect to earn between $150-$200 per week, and mother’s helpers can expect to earn between $200-$250 per week.
Family FAQsWhat are some expectations I should have of my nanny/au pair?
Experience has shown that it is better to make your expectations clear with your nanny or au pair during the interview. Don’t be afraid to ask for their opinion on the following issues, and make your own position clear:
- are you confident driving the children as necessary?
- are you comfortable preparing meals for and / or eating meals with the family?
- are you confident being in sole charge of the children?
- are you happy to assist the family with light household duties?
- are you happy to work overtime when it is needed?
- are you prepared to work on weekends / nights if required?
- do you expect to be able to invite your family / friends to visit?
- do you expect to use the telephone / internet / TV?
- how long can you commit to the family?
It is important that everybody enters into an agreement with the same understandings and expectations. It is important to discuss with your prospective nanny/au pair the following:
- the children’s individual care and learning requirements;
- discipline guidelines for your children;
- the children’s preferred meals and meal times;
- required household duties;
- expected normal working hours;
- wages, including payment terms and periods (weekly, fortnightly, monthly);
- what transport will be used for travelling with the children; and
- public liability, and motor vehicle insurance and excess.
What are some questions should I ask during the interview process?
Get to know your prospective nanny/au pair. After all, they will become an important part of your family and be caring for the most important people in your life: your children.
- what child care qualifications have you undertaken?
- do you have a current First Aid certificate?
- do you have a current CPR certificate?
- do you have a current police check? Are you prepared to undergo one in the event that you don’t?
- do you have a current driver’s license?
- do you have your own reliable, safe motor vehicle?
- have you ever had your license suspended?
- can you tell me about some of the children you have looked after?
- can you describe some activities you have organised for children?
- what are your behaviour management/discipline strategies?
- what is the best child care related experience you have ever had?
- what is the worst child care related situation you have ever been in? How did you handle it?
- why did you leave your last position?
- do you have references from previous employers available?
- why do you want to be a nanny/au pair with our family? - how long are you prepared to commit to this position?
What is the most important thing to look for in a nanny/au pair?
One of the applicants you interview will be looking after your most precious possession; your children. You have a right to expect certain qualities of the candidate you select. The most important thing to remember when interviewing a nanny or au pair is that you need to feel comfortable with this person AND feel comfortable leaving your children with them also.
What makes up a nanny/au pair's working day?
This is a sample version of what an average day could look like for a nanny/au pair. Obviously, each family has different requirements, and the routine agreed upon should suit everybody involved.
7:00am – Wake children
7:10am - Get children breakfast – make school lunches
7:30am - Get children ready for school
7:45am – Drive children to school
8:15am until 2:45 is your time
2:45pm. Pick children up from school
3:30pm. Take children to extra-curricular activities
5:00pm. Bath children and get them to help tidy rooms
5:30pm. Help children with homework / cook dinner
6:00pm. Serve dinner
6:30pm. Children to help tidy kitchen / finish homework
7:00pm. Play an educational game / watch TV
8:00pm. Put children to be to bed
What are some requirements for nannies and au pairs?
All are optional, so discuss with your prospective nanny/au pair what you do expect them to have.
- Drivers License
- Police Check
- First Aid Certificate
- References
- Experience
What are some of the personal requirements of an Au Pair or Nanny?
- ability to work unsupervised;
- enjoy working with children;
- flexibility;
- excellent communication skills;
- maturity;
- patient and kind;
- reliable;
- well organised; and
- willing to accept responsibility.
What are some of the general duties and tasks performed by nannies or au pairs?
- apply First Aid as necessary, and take appropriate action in the event of an accident or emergency;
- arrange and supervise enjoyable outings for the children;
- care for and maintain children's belongings, bedrooms and play areas;
- care for the babies or young children of the family, including feeding, washing and dressing;
- effectively communicate with parents to ensure that their expectations are maintained;
- feed and care for pets (if required);
- perform light housekeeping duties such as dusting, vacuuming, laundry & meal preparation;
- plan and prepare nutritious snacks and meals for children and possibly the family;
- plan creative play and learning activities
- safeguard children against dangers, such as pools, sharp objects, poisons and stairs;
- take children to school or care, and other activities;
- take sole charge of children for extended periods while parents are absent from home; and
- may also be required to work some evenings and on weekends as requested by the family.
Can I receive a childcare rebate or subsidy?
Most families employing a nanny or au-pair are entitled to some sort of rebate when using paid childcare for work-related reasons. The rebate percentage usually depends on the family’s taxable income. Families are best advised to check with their local government authorities regarding their individual rebate requirements.
Will I need a Police Check to work as a Nanny or Au Pair in Australia?
A police check, or “Working with Children Check” (WWCC) is often required by employers, parents or by legislation in each State. Please check the requirements in your state, as listed below.
In most states of Australia, babysitters, au pairs, nannies, child carers and anybody working for organisations involved with children, are required to obtain a WWCC. This requirement does include working independently in private homes.
The WWCC is different to a police check, and is a detailed search for child-related offences, including employment proceedings and Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs). The WWCC must be arranged by the employer or the organisation that sponsors you and you cannot apply for it yourself as an employee.
How do I obtain an Australian Police Check?
You can obtain a Federal or State Police Check yourself from the local police station for a small fee. The police check will reveal any convictions such as driving offences and theft. However, due to the Spent Convictions Scheme, most checks will not reveal any convictions older than ten years. Please refer to the sites below for more information on obtaining checks.
Victoria
The 'Consent to Check and Release National Police Record' application form is available from the Victoria Police Website at www.police.vic.gov.au. Fill in the form, by checking “National Name Check” in Section 2, and selecting the “Employment” box in Section 3. Mail the form back, with the appropriate payment, to the Victorian Police. You should receive your certificate within 10 working days. For additional information, see the Victoria Police Website.
Victoria will also be instituting a Working with Children Check. See www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren for more information
New South Wales
You can obtain a Police Check application from your local police station or the NSW police site. 'Standard Disclosure' is recommended. The purpose of the check is a 'Name and date of birth check'. You must take the completed form and 3 forms of ID to your local police station and pay the appropriate fee. See the NSW Police Web Site for more information.
The Working with Children Check is for carers in child-related work. See www.kids.nsw.gov.au to find out more.
Queensland
You can apply at any police station in Queensland for a Criminal History Record Check (QLD only) or for a Police Certificate (Australia-wide) check. If you already have a “Working with Children Check - Blue Card”, this is also suitable.
For more information about the checks, see the Queensland Police site: www.police.qld.gov.au. For more information about a Blue Card, see www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/employment/index.html.
Western Australia
Western Australia also requires a Working with Children Check. This applies to any carers with a formal agreement like paid sitters working regularly. The form can be obtained from Australia Post Offices. See www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au/default.htm for more information.
Tasmania
How many hours will I work per week?
Working hours are always negotiated between the family and the au pair/nanny. The agreement should be appropriate to the wage. Au pairs are generally required to work about 30 hours per week, plus two evenings of baby-sitting. Nannies are usually expected to work around 45 hours per week.
How do I find out about the family?
Like you, all families are required to fill out application forms. We will show you their answers, any non-confidential letters and any other relevant information, so that you are able to make an educated decision about whether to work with this family, or to search for another one. However, you will find out the most information by simply talking with the family during the interview process.
What are the families like?
Families come from all walks of life. We do place applicants with very “high profile” families but also with just totally "normal" families. Most families have been recommended by other clients, or have been known to our offices for a long time. Many have had au pairs or nannies working for them before. Our consultants know about the families, their habits, requirements, interests; therefore we are very successful in matching our candidates with their local families.
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