Live-out nanny:
A live-out nanny is engaged to care for children in and around the family’s home, working either full-time or part-time hours. They do not live in the family’s house. The duties of a live-out nanny include taking care of the children’s physical and emotional needs, children’s meals and laundry, keeping the children’s environment organised, providing a variety of developmentally appropriate activities for the children, and taking them on outings such as to play dates, scheduled activities, or other outings within the community. Nannies may work independently or alongside parents.
Nannies fall under the Miscellaneous Award, which specifies minimum pay rates and other requirements. Industry pay rates for live-out nannies vary depending on the role and the nanny’s experience and qualifications.
Live-in nanny:
A live-in nanny provides the same care for the children and performs the same duties as a live-out nanny, but they reside in the family’s house. A live-in nanny’s pay rate might be lower than that of a live-out nanny, but must still meet the minimum requirements of the Miscellaneous Award.
Night nanny:
Night nannies are usually trained and experienced in newborn care, settling, feeding, and infant sleep routines. The role of a night nanny depends on the needs of the family and the nature of the booking. Duties vary from taking care of a baby overnight so that parents can have a full night of uninterrupted sleep, to assessing sleep issues and implementing a routine to address the issues whilst teaching the parents settling techniques and how to continue with the routine.
Maternity nanny:
Maternity nannies are trained and experienced in newborn care, settling, feeding, infant routines, and basic post-natal care of mothers. Maternity nannies work in a variety of roles ranging from 24/6 live in roles for the first 12 weeks of a baby’s life to part-time daily roles and everything in between.
In Home Care educators:
The In Home Care program provides government subsidised childcare for eligible families in their home. This is facilitated through approved agencies. Educators working through this program typically perform the same duties as a live-out nanny, though there may be some differences depending on the family’s needs and government regulations. In Home Care Educators need to have completed or be working towards an approved qualification.
Common questions:
What’s the difference between a nanny and a housekeeper?
Nannies look after children, housekeepers look after houses. Whilst a nanny will keep the work and children’s area tidy and clean up after preparing meals for the children, it is not a nanny’s role to do general housework.
Nanny or babysitter?
A babysitter supervises children, usually for short periods, such as a few hours in the evening – often the children are in bed for a considerable amount of the time spent babysitting.
A professional nanny is usually a trained and experienced child carer. A nanny takes responsibility for the daily needs of the child or children in their care. This includes planning daily activities, preparing meals, and helping the children with care routines such as bathing.
Au pair or nanny? Confusing?
An Au Pair is an international traveller who often has little or no experience working with children. They come to Australia as part of a cultural exchange or to study. A genuine au pair assists with a few household tasks, plays with the children, and receives room, board, and some pocket money in return. The role is not a professional one, and the au pair is required to have plenty of time for study and outings to immerse themselves in Australian life.
It is recommended that you do not leave an au pair alone with children younger than 2 years old. Also, do not expect the same level of care as a professional nanny. Sometimes an international carer may actually be working as a live-in nanny, if they are providing care covering nanny duties.