Q. What is the difference between an au pair and nanny?

A. Au pairs are generally young adults who come to Australia primarily to improve their English, if they are from non English speaking background and to experience the Australian culture. They are treated as a member of the family who help with the children, some light housework and cooking. They usually only work 25-30 hours per week and live in.

Nannies are qualified child carers and as such receive a higher salary and work longer hours.

Q. What are the hours?

A. Generally a live in nanny or au pair works 25-30 hours per week and this may include some evening baby-sitting. Nannies tend to work 40 hours per week or more.

Q. What is the usual rate of pay?

A. For a live in au pair the weekly rate starts at AUD$150-$180 a week plus the family gives them their own bedroom, provides meals and pays for utilities. Paying for phone calls is usually the responsibility of the au pair. If the hours are more than 30 per week then the rate of pay would increase accordingly. A nanny would receive a higher starting rate of at least AUD$250.00 per week.

Q. What are the benefits of using a placement agency versus placing an add in the paper?

a) We interview all applicants for you which saves valuable time and energy. However, we do not check overseas references but can give you information to allow you to check the references if you require.

b) Through our web page we can find nannies for you well in advance of your time of needing one. This gives you peace of mind, and the time to choose the perfect nanny for you.

c) You are not inundated with phone calls to your home that could compromise your privacy.

d) We can give you a much greater variety of applicants that will match your needs more closely.

Q. What fee will the family have to pay our agency?

A. Our fee's range from $260 to $600 (Including GST) depending on the type and length of placement. We do not invoice you until the au pair / nanny has moved in and you are happy with them. We have a replacement guarantee.

Q. What guarantee do we have if the au pair/nanny does not work out?

A. We guarantee that if the au pair/nanny stays with you less than 4 weeks we will find a replacement free of charge.