As defined by the Australian Nanny Association, a nanny is a professional caregiver who offers personalised and individualised care for children in their own homes. As part of nannying duties, nannies are responsible for ensuring the overall well-being and development of the children under their care. This includes their safety, health, and happiness.
The Australian Nanny Association highlights that a nanny is a highly skilled and qualified individual who provides dedicated care and support to children within a home environment. Nannies play a crucial role in the lives of the children they care for by nurturing a stimulating environment. An environment that promotes growth and development. According to the Australian Nanny Association, a nanny is an experienced and compassionate caregiver who becomes an integral part of a family’s life.
In addition to providing supervision and care for children, nannies engage in educational and recreational activities to create a positive and enriching environment. They work closely with parents to ensure the well-being and happiness of the children, fostering a strong bond and a sense of trust within the family dynamic.
Who is the ANA
Established in 2012, the Australian Nanny Association (ANA) unites nannies and agency owners. It’s a vital support network for Australia’s whole nanny industry and childcare communities, as well as the families they serve. The ANA also offers guidance to agencies that connect families with caregivers.
Here are a few facts about the Australian Nanny Association:
- The ANA provides guidance to agencies that facilitate connections between families and caregivers.
- The Australian Nanny Association believes that nannies play an essential role in caring for Australian children, especially with many parents working and limited family support.
- The ANA is committed to enhancing the nanny profession by emphasising quality care and setting standards for nannies and agencies across Australia.
- They focus on addressing the diverse needs of professional nannies, families, and agencies by advocating for the nanny profession and educating the public on the importance of nannies in childcare.
- The ANA actively engages with political representatives and community stakeholders. This is to expand in-home care programs for all Australian families.
- They work towards having training organisations offer specific qualifications for in-home care and recognising the industry experience and learning of nannies.
- The ANA has strict membership standards for nannies and agencies. This is to ensure that families hire qualified professionals.
- The ANA also organises various events to support nannies’ careers, including social and networking events, with the annual Nanny Appreciation Week being a popular highlight.
The Nanny Basic Standards as Provided by the ANA
The Australian Nanny Association sets minimum standards for nannies in Australia. These standards are also required by most agencies and employers. They meet legal requirements and industry best practices. This ensures nannies and families can easily find and hire qualified in-home care professionals.
- Nannies are required to be a minimum age of 18.
- A current Working with Children Check (the WWCC is a standard legal requirement for anyone providing care to a child in Australia)
- Nanny members must:
- Hold a current Working with Children Check as per relevant state/territory requirements.
- To join the ANA, you must be an actively working nanny or have worked as a nanny in the past three years.
- Nannies are encouraged to hold a current First Aid qualification and CPR Qualification.
- Nannies must perform a yearly federal police check.
- Nannies should obtain their public insurance.
- Participating in professional development training and workshops is advised.
It is a consideration however not a requirement to have a formal childcare qualification as advised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
The Importance of a WWCC
The Working with Children Check (WWCC) or Blue Card is a vital Australian check. It reviews the criminal record of those in child-related roles. Often called the WWCC or WWC, it’s mandatory for nannies. This check focuses on criminal history that might harm children. Moreover, a national police check is recommended to cover other police history information which may be disclosable.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Nanny
As part of nannying duties nannies must create a nurturing environment that ensures a child’s basic needs are met. This includes access to nutritious food, water, and adequate rest. Establishing routines, such as regular meal times and a consistent sleep schedule, also provides a sense of security and stability for children.
Maintaining a safe environment is crucial. It means removing any hazards, such as sharp objects or hot surfaces, and supervising children during outdoor play. Moreover, it is essential to respect the rights of children and treat them with dignity, just as you would want for yourself. This includes using respectful language, providing choices, and encouraging autonomy.
Meeting children’s social and emotional needs is also vital. This can be achieved by providing comfort and affection, such as hugs and praise, while still respecting their personal space and boundaries. Interacting with children positively, through activities like reading and playing, helps build strong relationships and fosters a sense of trust.
As a role model, you should demonstrate positive behaviours, such as using good manners, being honest, and taking responsibility for your actions. Providing experiences and exercises that assist in the development of children. Activities such as puzzles and educational games, can make learning fun and engaging. Even daily experiences, like going to the supermarket, can be turned into learning opportunities.
It is also important to avoid physically disciplining a child, handling them roughly, or speaking in an aggressive manner. This can cause emotional harm and damage relationships.
Building a respectful relationship with the family of the children is essential, which includes respecting their privacy and their belongings. Report any issues or concerns to the family immediately, and maintain open and honest communication.
Nanny Types According to the ANA
There are various types of nannies according to the Australian Nanny Association. Each type of nanny job offers different levels of care, nannying duties, and flexibility to suit the needs of different families.
Live-Out Nannies
These nannies do not reside with the family they work for and instead commute to their workplace on a daily basis. This arrangement allows them to have their own separate living space and maintain a work-life balance.
Live-out nannies provide childcare services during specific hours and then return to their own homes at the end of their shifts. They are responsible for taking care of the children’s needs, engaging them in activities, and ensuring their safety and well-being while the parents are away.
Live-In Nannies
Live-in nannies provide the same care as Live-Out nannies, however, they reside on the family’s premises. Live-in nannies live with the family of children and generally have more flexible hours.
Night Nannies
Most night nannies are trained professionals in child related work in the field of newborn care. They help parents with newborns with sleep routines, feedings, and settling during the night. The role of a night nanny usually depends on the specific requirements of the family.
Maternity Nanny
Maternity Nannies are skilled in newborn care. They assist with feeding, changing, and routines. Additionally, they offer postnatal care for mothers. Typically, they work in various roles for long hours during the baby’s first 12 weeks.
In-Home Care Educators
There is an In-Home Care program that provides government-subsidised childcare for eligible families. Usually, Educators work through this program to perform the same typical nanny duties as that of a live-out nanny.
A few frequently asked questions:
What’s the difference between a nanny and a housekeeper?
To put it plainly, a nanny takes care of children, and a housekeeper takes care of the house. While nannies are expected to do light household duties such as keeping children’s areas tidy and preparing meals for them, that is as far as it goes. Unless so discussed and agreed upon with your nanny, nannies do not do housework
Should I Employ a Nanny or Babysitter?
Babysitters are usually only employed to supervise children for a few hours. However, nannies are professional carers who are much more involved with your child’s development. Nannies are trained and experienced to take responsibility for the daily needs of your child.
What is Approved Child Care?
Approved child care includes services that meet Australian quality standards. This ranges from centre-based care to family day care. The thorough approval process ensures high-quality care.
What is Registered Care?
Childcare providers who are registered have undergone training and have been acknowledged by the Department of Human Services. They are responsible for looking after children, which includes nannies, preschool, kindergarten, and after-school program staff.
To be eligible for registration, individuals must be 18 years or older and receive payment from agencies, parents, or child care organisations.
These providers ensure that children are in a safe and nurturing environment. By becoming registered, they demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality care and meeting established standards.
