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How to Choose a Nanny Agency in Sydney: 10 Questions to Ask
Choosing someone to care for your children is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. A good nanny agency takes much of the stress out of it. But nanny agencies in Sydney work in very different ways. Some check every nanny themselves. Others leave much of the checking to you.
These 10 questions will help you compare agencies and choose one you can trust.
Nanny agency or nanny website?
Online nanny websites can be a handy way to see who is available. But on many of them, checking a nanny's background is up to you.
A nanny agency does that work for you. It also takes the time to understand your family, so you meet nannies who suit your children and your routine.
10 questions to ask a nanny agency
1. How do you check your nannies?
Ask exactly what is checked, and how. As a minimum, look for:
A NSW Working With Children Check, verified online — not just a photo of the card
A recent National Police Check
Current first aid and CPR
Tip: you can check a nanny's Working With Children Check status yourself on the Service NSW website. You will need the nanny's name, date of birth and check number.
You can read more about how we screen nannies in Sydney.
2. Do you interview every nanny and call their referees?
A CV only tells you so much. Ask whether the agency interviews every nanny and phones every referee themselves, and what they ask.
A great question for a referee: "If this job didn't work out, what do you think the reason would be?" It often gets the most honest answer, and gives you a real feel for the nanny.
3. How do you match nannies to families?
The best agencies get to know your family first: your children's ages, your routine, your parenting style and what matters most to you. Ask how they decide which nannies to introduce, and why.
4. What experience do your nannies have?
Caring for a newborn is very different from after-school care for a nine-year-old. Ask about experience with children the same age as yours.
If you need something specific, such as newborn or night care or a nanny for a family holiday, ask whether they have nannies who have done it before.
5. Do you know our part of Sydney?
Sydney is big. A long commute can make early starts and school pick-ups hard for a nanny. Ask whether the agency thinks about travel time when matching, and whether they place nannies in your area.
6. How do your fees work?
Fees vary between agencies, so ask:
Is it a one-off fee or an ongoing charge?
When do we pay, and what for?
Is everything confirmed in writing before we commit?
Clear answers are a good sign. For a guide to nanny pay rates, see how much a nanny costs in Sydney.
7. What happens if it isn't the right fit?
Even with careful matching, things sometimes don't work out. Ask what support the agency gives if the fit isn't right, and make sure it is in writing.
8. Will you help us through the first few weeks?
The first weeks matter. A good agency helps you arrange a trial, and checks in once your nanny has started. Our guide to helping your nanny and child build a bond has more ideas for settling in.
9. How long does it usually take?
Ask for an honest timeframe. A careful search for a long-term nanny usually takes a few weeks, because checking documents and speaking to referees takes time.
10. Who will we be dealing with?
You should be able to talk to a real person who knows your search. Ask who will look after your family, and how easy they are to reach.
Red flags to watch for
Vague answers about how nannies are checked
Pressure to decide quickly
Fees that are not explained in writing
Little interest in your family's needs
Once you have chosen an agency, our 15 questions to ask when interviewing a nanny will help you prepare for meeting your nanny.
We'd love to help your family
If you're looking for a nanny agency in Sydney, we'd love you to choose Nanny Nest. Ask us any of these questions. We're happy to answer every one.
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