Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a nanny cost?
This is hard to assess exactly as there are so many variables. These include the nanny's age, experience, whether she is living in or daily, part or full time etc. Your Tinies consultant will be able to assess your personal requirements and advise you on cost.

Is a nanny really the right solution for me?
The answer of course depends on a whole range of factors - what exactly are your childcare needs? Can you afford a nanny? What are the other alternatives in your area? Can you be sure of finding the right nanny?
There is no magic formula. The best advice is to speak to as many people as possible with some experience - friends, nannies, your mother and your partner. Your Tinies consultant is also there for help and advice.

What are the pros and cons of hiring a nanny?
The advantages

• There is no possibility of your children being disturbed by a change of environment or routine.
  
• A proper one to one relationship can be built between the nanny and your children.
  
• Working arrangements can be completely flexible to suit the needs of the busy parent.
  
• Brothers and sisters can stay together.
  
• You have far more control over your child's activities - if you want the nanny to take your children swimming followed by a piano lesson then you can say so.
  
  The disadvantages
  
• If you hire the wrong nanny it is more difficult to change than other childcare options.
  
• Hiring a nanny, especially for a single child, can be an expensive option.
  
• You will have to take responsibility for all financial, insurance and tax matters - Tinies can assist you with this if required.
  
• You have to learn to trust the nanny. It is impossible to supervise completely what goes on in the house whilst you are away.
  

Do I want a live-in nanny or a daily nanny?
There are two main considerations.

Firstly, would the hours and duties you require suit a daily nanny? This is worth thinking about in some depth. Most people who think they need a daily nanny actually find that a live-in is far more suitable. This is especially so where both parents are working. It only takes a couple of overnight business trips or late meetings for both parents and the daily nanny will be struggling to cope.

Secondly, is your house and lifestyle suitable for a live-in nanny? Having another person living in the house can strain even the most relaxed of households. Some nannies will expect completely separate living quarters.

Do I need to draw up a contract between my nanny and myself?
It is not essential and the best relationships will need no more than verbal agreement. However, Tinies strongly recommends that you draw up a proper contract. A contract not only provides security in case of disputes but more importantly it will help to clarify many of the issues and points you may not have considered. For example, can your nanny use the 'phone? Will you expect her to help in the kitchen occasionally? Who pays any additional premium on the car insurance? Please ask your Tinies consultant for a copy of our standard form contract.

Do I need to make any checks myself?
No - Tinies will do this all for you. However we do recommend that you speak to the nanny's references personally. Speaking to someone who has employed your nanny previously can often provide the final peace of mind you need before going ahead with the appointment.
Tinies personally interviews and reference checks all its nannies. All nannies must also provide a Police Check. Only if Tinies is happy with the result of these checks will Tinies recommend the nanny for any positions.

Interviewing
This is sometimes a very daunting process for parents. Here at Tinies we would like to make it much easier and as a result have produced a detailed questionnaire for you to adapt. Please contact the office should you wish to be sent a copy.

Should you have any further questions which haven't been answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us;
Phone: 0427 314 091
Email: info@tinieschildcare.com.au