Everything You Need to Know About Being a Nanny

What are the Benefits of Nannying Jobs

Being a nanny is one of the most rewarding careers with many responsibilities. Just think about it. You get to create long-term relationships with amazing families and children. You get to watch children grow and develop, and you become a huge part of that. 

Here are a few more benefits to look forward to:

Nannies Have an Interesting Job

There is never a dull moment when you are a nanny!

Nannies have one of the most interesting jobs, where every day will be different.

Be warned that while it can be exhausting, it is incredibly rewarding. 

Nanny jobs involve so many different and engaging tasks every day:

• They plan and prepare meals.
• They spend time playing with the children.
• They bathe and dress the kids.
• Nannies often get to join on holidays or social events.
• They drive children to school and other activities.
• They assist with homework and engage in active learning.
• Nannies get to join and assist with extracurricular activities and sports

They Get to Contribute Towards the Well-Being of Children and Others

As a nanny, you have a massive impact on the family and the future of children. The positive impact that you have creates a close bond with the children and family. In turn, this is so rewarding. Nannies often help around the house and with other tasks. This forms part of ensuring the well-being of the children and family.

They Become Part of a Family

As mentioned, you become part of a family. Most families treasure and appreciate their nanny, and they understand the immense contribution nannies provide. As a nanny, you could find a position with a family that will last quite a few years.

There are Plenty of Job Opportunities

There is a daily influx of parents seeking a suitable nanny. Who knows, you may be exactly what they are looking for, for their family. 

The Hours can be Flexible

Most nannies have more flexible hours. Their hours frequently revolve around the family and children’s schedules. Nannying is a profession, which means that even though working arrangements can be flexible, the terms must be agreed to in advance by both parties. 

It can be a Full Time Career

Being a professional nanny is a highly respected career. For many caregivers that love to care for children, nannying is a career that provides rewarding work with great conditions and opportunities! 

What is the Difference Between Babysitting and Nannying?

A question that often arises is what the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?

Though the two job titles seem interchangeable, they are not.

There is a distinct difference between a nanny and a babysitter. 

Nannies are more involved with the family and the development of the children. Babysitters will cater to a child’s care on a short-term basis, while nannies are intimately involved in the child’s development and education. 

Nannies are much more invested in the well-being of the children and family. Nannies have many more work commitments and daily activities, and they become a valued part of the family they support.

What do Nannies Do?

Nannies care for children within their home and assist parents. They have different roles and job descriptions to discuss.

What Skills are Needed for a Nanny Job?

As a nanny, the following skills are important in nanny jobs:

• A Working with Children Check (WWCC) or Blue Card is a legal requirement for any person involved in caring for children. 
• A CPR or First Aid qualification
• Minimum of 1-3 years’ experience.
• Degree or studying towards a degree in education or similar fields.
• Experience or qualification in dealing with the needs of children.
• Good communication skills.
• Child-focused mindset.
• Compassionate towards children.
• Health and Safety conscious.
• Valid Driver’s licence is also really helpful. 

Duties of a Nanny

Nanny duties may differ slightly depending on the type of nanny services offered. Here are some duties to consider:

• Basic Child Care and assistance.
• Assisting parents with children and other tasks.
• Providing more personalised care for a child and home.
• Performing small household tasks such as laundry, preparing meals, and tidying up.
• Providing after-school care and help with homework.
• Involvement and assisting with extracurricular activities and school activities.
• Driving children to school and other activities using the employer’s or their car.
• Socialising and engaging in active, and educational play with children.
• Following up with parents on their children.
• Keeping a record of children’s schedules and routines.
• Following the given instructions and routines of the family.
• Feeding, dressing, and bathing children as needed.
• Putting children to bed, and ensuring they get daily naps.
• Providing basic health and first aid care.
• Availability and assistance in case of an emergency.
• Taking part in outdoor activities.
• Occasionally joining the family on trips or vacations.
• After-hours care or availability if required.
• Newborn care and assisting new mothers, if within the job description.
• Stipulated within the job description are the household chores.

What do Parents Expect from a Nanny

Another important factor of what to know about being a nanny involves the parent’s expectations. What the parents, or family involved needs and sees as essential criteria for the nanny to have. Now, this will differ from family to family. However, here are a few criteria that most parents favour:

Must-Have Criteria for a Nanny

When a family hires a nanny, they need to agree on a schedule, job description, and pay. Also, personalities should gel, and both parties must get along seemingly.

Thus, according to a certified professional nanny and child paediatrician. These are some crucial criteria for nannies:

A Nanny Must Love Working With Children

Though it sounds obvious this is an enormous consideration. Anyone aspiring to be a nanny must genuinely enjoy being around children. There must be a genuine desire to invest your life in the lives of your children, with delight.

Principally this is why it is so important to fit in with the family that employs you as a nanny. Before becoming employed as a nanny, there will be an interview to give you an idea of the family, and for them to get to know you. 

Remember it is just as important for a nanny that the family is the right fit, as it is for the family. 

A nanny who truly desires to be a nanny will:

• Show enthusiasm when spending time with children.
• They will encourage and find joy in the child’s development and teach them new things.
• They will naturally be more mindful and empathetic during times of stress and sorrow within the family.

A Good Nanny Makes Safety a Priority

Safety always comes first regarding children. A requirement for nannying is to have CPR certification or First Aid certification. An expectation from nannies is to know water safety. General care and nutrition experience or knowledge is vital. A driver’s licence and a clean driving record are also frequently a necessity. 

A Good Personality Match with the Parents

The nanny and their family need to get along. The nanny and the family should ask questions to determine if they are a good match. A nanny could enquire about how the family raises their children, what their routines are, or what their likes and dislikes are.

Trust Honesty and Respect are Vital for Nannies

Most families will put trust at the top of their requirement list when searching for a family. Any family looking for a nanny will expect Trust, honesty, and respect from their nanny. As a nanny, if you are honest and respectful first, your employer will trust you. Trust must develop naturally between the nanny and the family.

Parents Love to Hear About Their Kids

Parents love to hear about their children and any interesting news. It is a priority for a nanny to keep parents up to date on their children’s lives. You can give the parents daily feedback, and take pictures for records of special moments, and events.

 What are the Recommended Work Hours for a Nanny

A nanny’s work hours may be flexible or set, depending on their duties and position. It all depends on what type of work and the family’s requests, but always remember that nannying is a professional engagement with the same obligations and entitlements as any job. 

Nannying may involve working overtime, which must be remunerated.

Nannies are entitled to vacation days, as well as sick leave days.

 What is the Average Rate for a Nanny

One of the most asked, and obvious questions, is “How much do nannies get paid”?

Nannies will typically cost $25-$35 per hour. Plus any additional fees such as domestic worker’s insurance and superannuation. As a general guide, you can expect to pay in the mid-$20s per hour for less experienced care, and over $30 per hour for more experienced care. The most important thing is that you must pay at least the minimum award rate.

The rate of pay will also be impacted by the following factors:

• Geographical Area – What is the demand and availability of nannies in an area?
• Type of Nanny – What is the level of care the children need?
• Ages of Children and Number of Children – What is the ages of the children and how many will need care?
• Experience and Qualifications – What experience and qualifications does the nanny 

Do Nannies Have an Employment Contract?

Nannying is a professional career and an employment contract is vital to protect both the nanny and the employer.

The contract must contain the following basic information:

1. Starting date of Employment.
2. Full Job description.
3. Description and list of duties.
4. Payment rate and frequency.
5. Tax and wage arrangements.
6. Sick and leave days and notice.
7. Notice of termination.

Where do I Start with Nannying?

At this point, most of the things you need to know about being a nanny were addressed. So, if you are an aspiring nanny, where do you start the journey?

We Need A Nanny is the number one job board for nannies, babysitters and au pairs in Australia. Hundreds of parents are actively looking for someone just like you to support their family. And it’s so easy! Simply create a profile so you can apply for jobs and parents can search for you. You’ll also receive email notifications when jobs are posted in your area. We Need A Nanny is free for nannies, so why not try us today?

What are the Legal and Educational Requirements for a Nanny

Working With Children Check (WWCC)

A Working With Children Check and Blue Card is a background check that helps ensure people working with children have been properly screened. It’s a compulsory check for anyone working in a regulated child-related activity. It assesses a person’s criminal history and other relevant information to help identify any potential risks in allowing them to work with children.

First Aid Certification

1. Visas if you are from overseas.
2. Drivers License

As far as qualifications go one of your best considerations is a certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care.

If you are looking to boost your resume, you can always apply for a few of these short courses:

8 Classes that Boost Your Resume as a Nanny

Keep in mind that a qualification is not a requirement set in stone to become a nanny. However, a few courses could enhance your chances of landing the perfect nannying job.

1. Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers.
2. Child Passenger Safety.
3. Nanny and Childcare Short Course.
4. Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns.
5. Attachment in the Early Years.
6. Montessori Method Basics.
7. Safe Sleep for Kids.
8. Well-Being for Teenagers.

Agri Life Learn is an excellent example of a site with short courses in Childcare Basics.  

Two other Childcare institutions you can apply to are;

• TAFE – Ideal for Childhood Development courses in your area.
• WA Jobs and Skills – For childcare qualifications and skill development.

Having a few qualifications, or courses behind your name is always beneficial for nannies. However, nothing beats experience. Most parents look for nannies with at least 2 – 3 years of experience. Building experience is quite hard. You need to find an employer willing to take the chance to teach you in the beginning.

Luckily many families prefer a fresh, new nanny, that they can teach from scratch.

How Do You Apply for Nanny Jobs

So, from here on, there are two more steps to becoming a nanny.

They are:

1. Creating your Resume.
2. Applying for a Nanny Job.

How to Create a Catchy Nanny Resume

Start your resume with a short description of yourself, and the position you are seeking. Make sure to add a profile page first that shows the following

1. A profile picture of yourself.
2. An indication of your rate, per week, per hour, or monthly.
3. Make sure to stipulate what type of nanny you are.

Secondly, you can expand on the resume by adding the following:

• Checks and Qualifications –  Courses and checks you have completed. Make sure to attach any certificates and documents to support your resume.
• Personal Information – Include a short paragraph about yourself. Your hobbies, interests, and why you think you are a good fit as a nanny.
• Experience – Expand on your work experience. This does not just have to be in the field of nannying.
• Availability – You can add this at the end of your resume or in the profile section.
• References – If you have any references, you can add them (but don’t include personal contact information).
• Optional Video – You can add a video where you give a summary of yourself, and your resume to the audience.

Tip: Always expand on the “About Me” section. This is where you can let your personality shine. Most parents will look at a candidate’s personality traits in terms of a nannying job.

Choosing and Applying for the Nanny Jobs You Want

There are many ways to find the perfect nanny job in your area. One of the best platforms to use is We Need A Nanny!

To help you choose and apply:

• It is vital for yourself, and an employer that you are clear on the sort of job you want first.
• Make a list of tasks you are willing to perform, and those you are not.
• Stipulate the hours and days that you are available for work.
• Indicate the rate that you want.
• Consider your flexibility in terms of duties.
• Decide on the amount of, and ages of children that you are ideally prepared to care for.
• Consider your location, and if you are willing to travel, or relocate.

Applying for a Nanny Job

When you have narrowed down your search, select the positions you find most attractive. Make sure that you go through all the details of the ad, and that you use the given information in your application.

Keep in mind this will be your first contact with the employer, or parent for that matter. Thus, follow these steps when applying:

1. Introduce yourself and state why you are applying.
2. Use the advertised position information as a reference, and why you think you are a good candidate.
3. Give a few examples of your experience and qualifications.
4. End your application with a summary. State why you think you are a good candidate, and how you can benefit the family.
5. Try to state at least five qualities that you possess that make you suitable for the specific position.
6. Lastly, make sure that you are 100% accurate and honest in your application. Also, keep a positive and enthusiastic tone to attract parents.

 When a parent finally receives and shows interest in your resume, they will connect with you. This will typically be via an email, on the platform, or a phone call. If the connection or phone call goes well, the parents will ask you to attend an interview.

How to Make a Good Impression with Your First Interview

Your first impression is vital. When parents call to schedule an interview, make sure that you write down all the details that they give you. Also, get proper directions for the address, and save their number on your phone.

Preparing for the Interview

Proper preparation could ideally make or break your chances in the interview. That is why it is vital that you are fully prepared, and relaxed before attending the interview.

Ideally, you want to look your best, be at your wits, and feel your best for the interview.

Make a List of What You Want to Ask the Family

• What is important to know about the children?
• How many children will you be caring for?
• If they have any health issues, allergies, or special needs.
• What are the parent’s philosophies, parenting styles, and discipline methods are.
• Ask the parents to introduce you to the children.
• Ask about your role as a nanny, and what parents expect from you.
• Ask about your duties, hours, after-hours, and methods of communicating with you.
• Enquire about the home rules, and what they expect of you inside the home.
• Enquire about safety measurements, and what the parents expect of you in terms of an emergency.

Similarly, make sure that you take along a copy of your resume and qualifications.

A Few More Tips

• Dress for the Occasion – Your clothes must look professional, yet acceptable for childcare. Make sure you are neat and clean.
• Make Eye Contact – When you meet the parents and children, make clear eye contact. You can greet them by shaking their hand. The children may want to give you a hug, which you can accept if permitted.
• Concentrate on the Children – During your Interview remember the children come first. Ideally, the child generally chooses the nanny. Engage with the children, though include the parent while talking.

What to Expect During the Interview

Keep in mind though you want to make a good impression on the parents, concentrate on the children. The children’s reaction towards you will have much more impact on the parents.

Introduce yourself, and use your prep information to ask questions, or answer questions. Establish a rapport with the parents and seek understanding to keep the conversation flowing. 

At the end of the interview, the parents may ask you to come for a second interview, or to nanny for a trial period. Mostly they offer to contact you because they might want to discuss the interview with their partner and children first.

You Got the Job, What Now?

After hearing from the family, or completing your trial run, you can finalise the work arrangements.

The Contract

The employer will expect you to sign a work contract before commencing work. You can discuss the terms with the family, and agree to them if you are happy.

The Journey Starts

From here on, you are an employed nanny. You can now start implementing what the information covered so far, and build a relationship with the family.

There may be regular performance reviews performed by the family. 

You must maintain good communication with the family. Discuss all issues regarding the home, children, and your role with the family. Keep communication clear and respectful.