In Australia, the role of a nanny is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children, and attend to their needs with care and support. Beyond the primary responsibility of looking after the children, a nanny can also assist with domestic duties such as laundry and tidying up after the kids, but there may be an additional cost for extra services.
In this article, we provide an overview of the role of a nanny in Australia and discuss the tasks they are expected to perform, as well as any extra services that may be available.
What Does a Nanny Do?
A nanny is a professional caregiver who is employed by parents or guardians to look after their children. The primary responsibility of a nanny is to look after the health and wellbeing of the children, often taking them to activities and appointments and providing a safe and nurturing environment.
Nannies are also expected to attend to the children’s needs and provide care and support. This could include preparing meals, doing bottles, washing clothes, and tidying up after the children.
While some nannies may be willing to provide additional domestic duties such as cleaning the bathroom, these services should not be expected and may come at an extra cost. It’s important for both parties to agree to any extra services before commencement.
What Makes a Good Nanny?
Nannies should be reliable, trustworthy and have a genuine passion for caring for children. They should be experienced in caring for children of all ages and be flexible to accommodate the needs of the family.
Good nannies should also be well organised and have excellent communication skills. They should be able to manage multiple tasks and be able to think on their feet.
Nannies should also have basic first aid and CPR training. This is an essential requirement and is often an additional cost.
Finding a Nanny
Finding a nanny can be a difficult task, so it’s important to ensure you find someone who is right for your family. You can find reputable nannies through agencies or by searching online.
When searching for a nanny, it’s important to read reviews and check their qualifications and experience. It’s also important to have a face-to-face interview with the nanny to ensure you are both on the same page regarding the role and responsibilities.
Cost of a Nanny
The cost of a nanny can vary depending on the services they provide and the number of children they are looking after. Generally, nannies charge an hourly rate and you should be prepared to pay for any additional services.
It’s important to understand the cost of a nanny before you hire them as it can be a significant expense.
Conclusion
A nanny is a professional caregiver who provides a safe and nurturing environment for children, attending to their needs with care and support. Nannies should be trustworthy and reliable with excellent communication skills and basic first aid training. It’s important to understand the cost of a nanny before you hire them as it can be a significant expense.
