Does anyone out there use a nanny/or know someone that does?

[threechooks]

We are thinking of using a nanny as DH has a rotating roster. She would be needed 2 days a fortnight. Do nannies work these sort of hours or only full time? How much do they cost per day? I've found some good websites but would like to be armed with a bit more knowledge before I contact any agencies. Any info would be much appreciated

[bycablecar]

It's a few years ago now (2005), but I was a nanny. Most nanny jobs are not full time but rather 1-5 day weeks. Many people who use nannies do so precisley because they have odd hours - one of the girls who had trained at the same place as me went to work for someone doing night shifts. The only thing is, if they are different days each week then sometimes your hours might clash with another job the nanny has - most work two to three regular jobs. However, if you employ through an agency then they would fix you up with a replacement at any time.

Be aware that there is no award for nannies (or there wasn't when I was working) and they aren't very well paid - a good way to keep someone you like is to offer them extra (perhaps after a probation period). I think my rate was $12/hr but I imagine the agency charged well over that - perhaps $16/hr. Overnights may be cheaper. It may be more now. You can employ without an agency, but as well as having to organise tax and super, it is probably a bit more of a lottery Although whoever you get you want to spend time with them to make sure they're ok. I had a friend who worked in childcare who was always looking for a nanny job, so I'm sure there are good non-agency nannies out there. The advantage is of course that an agency would always fill you in if your nanny was sick or something, and many agency's nannies are well and specifically trained.

I'm hoping to get a (foreign language) nanny for our bubs at some time, to give them bi-lingual exposure. But apparently it is a bit harder to get foreign nannies/au pairs in Australia because of the distance and travel costs, not to mention visas!

Good luck with what you decide. Nannies can be great.

[I'm not sure, but another option for information is that agencies may be happy for you to talk to some of their clients to get an idea of what having a nanny is like].

[PinkBinkie]

I was a nanny through milestonz nannies. The rate is $15 to $18. I was paid $15 an hour plus extra for petrol costs as I did school pick up. It fit in so well with my own children. I babysat from 3 - 6.30pm 2 times a week. Nannies can be very flexible with their hours, especially if you employ someone who has a family of their own and is just looking for a little extra cash.

The good thing about using a nanny agency is that they do all the background checks for you and make sure records are updated every 12 months;
police check/blue card
health check from a doctor
qualifications/experience (I think it's a min of 2 years)
current first aid cert and cpr

I've heard that the agency charges around $500 if they find you a nanny. I've seen some free sites on the internet though that you could look into if you don't mind doing the screening process yourself.

Good luck with your search

[Knocked_for_six]

Hi,

We currently have a part time nanny who works 15hrs a week. She has been with us two years and is brilliant with our children. We found her by placing an add in our local paper (we did ask for contactable references and police checks etc), she was a full time nanny but is now studying at University so she finds the hours ideal. She is also quite flexible and is more than happy to do extra hours in the evenings if needed.

As for costs it does vary and there is no nanny award. Our nanny has many years experience, and we pay her $20hr + supper (which I *think* is only compulsory when working more than 30hrs) and any extra hours over the 15 we pay at $25. She does get holidays, and sicks days we also pay her for any days that fall on public holidays and we give a Christmas bonus- I believe if you treat them nicely, with respect and as part of the family they are less likely to go looking for another family.

As for agencies I can recommend Charlton Brown, we are looking at employing a full time nanny later in the year and they have been extremely helpful answering all our questions and we plan on get a Nanny Placement though them.

Good Luck