If you’re looking for reliable and experienced childcare care, it’s important to know the difference between a nanny and an au pair

What is a Nanny?

A nanny is a professional childcare provider who is paid to provide childcare care for your family.

In most cases, nannies are highly experienced and can have childcare qualifications in Early Years Education.  They can be following a professional childcare/nannying career or maybe studying and working as a nanny part time.

A nanny typically has full responsibility for the care of your children and duties can include:

Getting children up in the morning , taking them to activities, school/daycare , providing after school care, supervising homework, providing meals, and assisting with bath/bedtime routines. They can also assist with household management duties.

Families become the employer of the Nanny, and as an employer you are responsible for paying your nanny correctly and fulfilling your tax obligations and other employer responsibilities.  Its important to seek professional advice to avoid any issues down the track.

What is an Au Pair?

An au pair is a cultural exchange program for young adults aged 18-30 (or up to age 35) and are from overseas. An au pair lives with the family, providing childcare in exchange for room and board. Au Pairs are not usually qualified childcare professionals and the level of care they provide can vary considerably.

Au pairs generally like plenty of time to explore, travel or study during their stay and must be treated as a family member not as an employee.

Typical duties of an au pair are basic childcare such as playing with the children, assisting with meals and helping with light housework.  Before and after school care, and taking children to activities.

However, they are not typically expected to provide round-the-clock care and its not advised they care for children overnight as they don’t have the relevant experience or maturity.

What are the Benefits of an Au Pair?

An au pair can provide your family with a unique cultural exchange experience, both for you and your children. They can introduce your children to their culture, language and customs and may even be able to support language learning. In addition, au pairs may be able to provide additional duties such as light housework, helping the family run errands or driving children to and from activities.

An Au Pair provides families with very flexible childcare and support around the home and can also provide weekend & evening babysitting.

Au Pairs are paid weekly pocket money or a wage based on Minimum Wage – follow the latest UK Guidelines for engaging an Au Pair as it has recently changed.

Unfortunately, due to Brexit the Au Pair Program in the UK has practically collapsed as Europeans can no longer work as Au Pairs, however there are plenty of options for Australian Au Pairs who can now stay for 3 years on a Working Holiday Visa which is great news for families.

What are the Downsides of an Au Pair?

The downside of an au pair is that they are not professionally trained and wont have the same level of experience as a nanny.  Their motivations differ from a Nanny in that they are here for an experience not as a career so their level of commitment may not be the same.  They are generally school leavers on a Gap Year so their life experience may be minimal.

Families need to provide au pairs with support and training and help to settle them in.

Do I Need an Au Pair?

Whether or not you need an au pair will depend on your family’s individual needs. An au pair may be a great choice if you’re looking for a cultural exchange experience for your family you have the space, and need flexible extra help with light housework and errands.

However, if you need full-time, professional childcare, a nanny is a better option.

Most nannies live out, however some nannies can live in too.

Its important to carefully consider all of the factors before deciding which type of childcare is best for your family.

Dream Nannies help families to discover the best options and make recommendations on the most suitable type of childcare

Dream Nannies specialise in placing Australian Au Pairs and Live in Nannies for families in London and beyond.

For more information on hosting an Australian Au Pair please contact us  

The post Do I Need an Au Pair or a Nanny? Understanding the Difference appeared first on Dream Nannies.

Many families choose to find childcare solutions like au pairs and nannies through online platforms and social media – often without an understanding of the implications of the risks involved.

These websites promise convenience, choice, and flexibility, but beneath their glossy interfaces lie hidden risks that both families and au pairs should be aware of.

Privacy Predicaments

One of the foremost concerns with online au pair matching platforms is the issue of privacy. While these platforms collect extensive personal information from both host families and au pairs, the security of this data isn’t guaranteed. With instances of data breaches on the rise, this raises questions about the safety of sharing sensitive information online.

Moreover, the visibility of personal details on these platforms can expose individuals to potential risks, such as identity theft, harassment, or unwanted solicitation. Without robust privacy measures in place, users may find themselves vulnerable to various online threats.

Scams and Fraudulent Practices

Another significant risk associated with online au pair matching platforms is the prevalence of scams and fraudulent activities. While these platforms aim to connect families with trustworthy childcare providers, not all users may have genuine intentions. Instances of fake profiles, misleading information, and financial scams have been reported, leaving both families and au pairs susceptible to exploitation.

We hear of many cases where unsuspecting families have fallen victim to scams where individuals poses as au pairs, only to disappear with advance payments or personal belongings upon arrival.

Similarly, au pairs may encounter fraudulent host families who exploit them without fulfilling their end of the agreement, leaving them stranded in unfamiliar environments with little recourse.

Mitigating the Risks

While the risks associated with online au pair matching platforms are concerning, using an experienced and trusted Au Pair Agency will ensure your Au Pair Placement is a success

Thorough Vetting:  Our recruitment team screens all au pairs and conduct extensive background checks. This includes verifying references, requesting Police Checks and personally interviewing for your family. Our Au Pairs are also Trained with 1st Aid for s

Clear Communication: Establish open and honest communication from the outset to clarify expectations, responsibilities, and cultural differences. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help address any issues proactively.

Ongoing Support: We provide both your family and your au pair with on-going support throughout the placement. Au Pairs are connected with our Au Pair Community and have organised events and travel to ensure they enjoy their cultural experience.

Protection:  As a part of the Australian Au Pair Association, we adhere to strict Agency Code of Conduct and follow best practice which is focused on secure, safe and supported au pair experiences,

As an experienced Agency who has been placing Au Pairs for over 15 years, we keep up to date on relevant Government Laws and regulations regarding au pair arrangements to ensure compliance and protect your rights.

In conclusion, while online au pair matching platforms offer convenience and choice, they also harbor hidden risks that can compromise the safety and well-being of both families and au pairs. By hiring an au pair through a trusted and experienced Au Pair Agency, you can be reassured to enjoy a safe, positive and fulfilling au pair experience.

The post Uncovering the Risks of Recruiting on Au Pair Matching Websites appeared first on Dream Nannies.

What is an au pair?

The term ‘au pair’ is a French phrase that translates to ‘on par’ or ‘equal to’, reflecting the idea of a mutually beneficial relationship between the au pair and the host family. An Au Pair travels overseas to a.country to live with a host family and assist with childcare and light household duties in exchange for room, board, and cultural exchange.

However, thanks to Brexit, European Au Pairs are no longer allowed to enter the UK which effectively closed the Au Pair Industry as we knew it, most Au Pair Agencies have closed their doors and families can no longer host Europeans to help care for their kids in return for providing board and a small amount of pocket money.

Currently, anyone who wants to Au Pair in the UK must have Settled or Pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or are eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme, or have a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

This is where Australian Au Pairs come in, providing a new type of Au Pair Experience with lots of extra value for families!  

English speaking, driving on the same side of the road, a 2 year work visa which can now be extended to 3 years, and their sunny, can-do attitude, Australians can offer families much more care & support than traditional au pairs.

Many Australian au pairs have good childcare experience, some with childcare qualifications and nannying experience.

An au pair is a young single person, who travels to a foreign

Benefits of Hosting an Au Pair

1. Cultural exchange

Hosting an au pair brings the world to your doorstep. Your family has the opportunity to engage in a cultural exchange, exposing your children to new traditions, and perspectives. It’s like having a built-in global experience without leaving the comfort of your home.

2. Flexible childcare

Au pairs offer flexible childcare tailored to your family’s needs. Whether it’s after-school care, assistance with homework, or engaging in play activities, au pairs can adapt to your schedule and provide personalised attention. Perfect for professional, shift workers and busy working families.

3. Light housekeeping support

Beyond childcare, au pairs often lend a helping hand with light housekeeping tasks related to the children. It’s like having an extra set of hands to keep the household running smoothly.

4. Homework help

Homework time can be less stressful when there is someone dedicated to guiding your children through their assignments. Au pairs can provide academic support, turning study sessions into productive and positive experiences.

5. Part of the family

Hosting an au pair often results in a unique familial bond. Your au pair becomes not just a caregiver but an integral part of your family, sharing in the joys, challenges, and special moments.

6. Support for parents

Au pairs can provide much-needed support for parents, helping to balance the demands of work and family life. Having an extra set of eyes and ears can make a significant difference in managing the day-to-day responsibilities.

7. Affordable childcare option

Compared to other childcare alternatives, hosting an au pair can be a very cost-effective solution. The pocket money / wage provided to Australian au pairs is usually around £200 – 250 per week plus board (accommodation and meals), and the flexibility benefits add substantial value to the arrangement.

Handy tips help you get started in finding a great au pair   .

• Define your family’s needs and expectations
• Familiarise yourself with the regulations and requirements of the latest Government information regarding paying Au Pairs and minimum wage –
• Create a comprehensive profile of your family, highlighting the benefits of living with your family and the cultural exchange experience you can offer.
• Use an experienced and well-established Au Pair Agency, such as Dream Nannies that will interview, screen and ensure relevant checks are completed.
• Write a clear job description outlining the au pair’s responsibilities, working hours etc.
• Conduct thorough interviews to assess their experience, personality, and compatibility with your family. Ask for references from previous employers or childcare experiences.
• Clearly discuss expectations, cultural exchange goals, and daily routines with potential au pairs.
• Conduct video interviews to get a better sense of the au pair’s personality and communication skills.
• Download our FREE interview guide.

The post Hosting an Au Pair post Brexit appeared first on Dream Nannies.

When searching for the right childcare solution, many families automatically think that they need to get their child’s name on their local daycare centre’s waiting list. Hiring a nanny might seem out of the question due to the costs involved, but there are many advantages that you might not have considered – which may just make it a more appealing option.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of hiring a nanny and how it compares to daycare.

Nanny vs. daycare: Weighing the pros and cons for your child’s care

Let’s look at the 13 most important factors that you’ll need to consider when deciding between hiring a nanny and placing your child in a daycare setting, and how each solution compares.

 Individualised care

One of the primary advantages of hiring a nanny is the personalised attention your child receives. With one-on-one care, the nanny can tailor activities and routines to meet your child’s specific needs, preferences, and developmental stages.

In a daycare setting, individualised attention may be limited. While there are benefits to socialisation, some children may require more personalised care, whether it’s because their temperament is better suited to it, or they have additional needs, such as medical conditions or developmental challenges.

Customised learning and development

Nannies have the flexibility to create personalised learning activities based on your child’s individual needs and interests. This tailored approach can enhance your child’s development and foster a love for learning.

Many daycare centres offer structured learning programs designed to enhance a child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. These programs may include age-appropriate activities, educational games, and group exercises. This could limit the customisation of care based on individual needs or preferences.

Schedule flexibility

Families who hire a nanny have the freedom to negotiate and establish a childcare schedule that suits their specific requirements. Whether you need full-time, part-time, or occasional childcare, a nanny can provide the flexibility you need.

Daycare centres typically operate on fixed schedules, and parents may need to adhere to specific drop-off and pick-up times. This lack of flexibility can be challenging for families with irregular work hours.

Household support

Beyond childcare duties, nannies often assist with light household tasks related to the child. This can include meal preparation, laundry, and tidying up the child’s play areas, providing valuable support to busy parents. You can’t put a price on coming home after a long day to a tidy house, a clean basket of folded laundry, and a fed and happy child.

Of course, this isn’t possible with a daycare setting, so you may need additional household support, incurring more costs. 

Continuity of care

If you find the right nanny for your family, they can offer consistent and long-term care, promoting a strong bond between the caregiver and the child.

Daycare centres have potential staff turnover, but they do strive to maintain consistent caregivers for each age group. This consistency provides children with familiar faces and routines.

Socialisation opportunities

Children in a nanny arrangement may have fewer opportunities for social interaction with peers compared to those in group childcare settings, but a nanny can arrange daily social experiences within the community, such as playgroups, classes, playdate, visits to playgrounds, the museum etc.

Childcare facilities provide an environment where children can interact with peers, fostering social skills, cooperation, and early friendships. Group settings offer diverse socialisation experiences that may be different from one-on-one care.

Convenience

With a nanny, there’s no need to rush in the morning to get out the door for daycare. Nannies can manage school pickups, assist with homework and meals, ensuring a smooth transition for children when parents return home.

Daycare facilities are equipped with the necessary supplies, toys, and educational materials. Parents don’t need to worry about constantly replenishing items at home.

Costs involved

The primary drawback of hiring a nanny is the potential cost, especially for families requiring full-time care for one child. If, however, you have more than one child, the cost can be comparable to daycare. A nanny can be self-employed or you may take on the responsibilities of an employer, including fulfilling legal obligations such as payroll taxes, superannuation, and other employment-related requirements.

Childcare services are a potentially more affordable option than hiring a nanny, depending on how much childcare subsidy (CCS) a family is eligible for.

Potential for disagreements

Differences in parenting styles or disagreements over household responsibilities may arise between the family and the nanny. Clear communication and a well-defined contract can help mitigate these issues.

Differences in expectations between parents and daycare policies can lead to disagreements. For example, conflicts may arise regarding discipline methods, dietary preferences, or handling of specific situations. It’s crucial for both parties to maintain open lines of communication to address concerns promptly.

 Reliability concerns

Nannies may face personal or family issues that affect their reliability. Families should establish contingency plans for unexpected situations, ensuring consistent care for the child.

Children in childcare settings are in close contact with others, increasing the likelihood of exposure to illnesses. This can lead to more frequent illnesses, requiring parents to take time off work or make alternative care arrangements.

 Care environment

Nannies who provide care in your home can provide a stable environment that contributes to a child’s sense of security, which can be beneficial for a child’s overall wellbeing.

Licensed childcare facilities are subject to strict regulations and regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety and hygiene standards. This can provide parents with peace of mind regarding their child’s wellbeing.

Experience and qualifications

Nannies come from diverse backgrounds, and their qualifications can vary widely. Some may have formal education in childcare, while others may have gained experience through practical caregiving roles. While certifications in early childhood education or related fields are beneficial, they are not always required for nanny positions.

Both nannies and childcare educators may have specialised training or experience in areas such as first aid, CPR, or specific childcare techniques.

Childcare educators typically hold qualifications such as a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care or a degree in early childhood education.

Summary

Consider your family’s unique dynamics, including the number of children, their ages, and any specific needs they may have.

Evaluate your budget and financial considerations. While hiring a nanny may be more expensive, it could be much more convenient and there will be less chance of illness (and therefore missing work for you).

Some families prefer the increased involvement and communication that comes with hiring a nanny, while others appreciate the structure and socialisation of daycare services.

In conclusion, the decision between a nanny, daycare, or other childcare options depends on various factors, including your child’s needs, your family’s preferences, and your budget. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and careful consideration is necessary to make the best choice for your child’s development and your family’s unique circumstances.

The post Nanny or Daycare appeared first on Dream Nannies.

The quest for the perfect childcare solution can be both exciting and daunting!  So many Australian families are discovering the unique benefits of welcoming an au pair into their homes. Find out why!

What is an au pair?

The term ‘au pair’ is a French phrase that translates to ‘on par’ or ‘equal to’, reflecting the idea of a mutually beneficial relationship between the au pair and the host family.

An au pair is a young single person, typically between the ages of 18 and 30, who travels to a foreign country to live with a host family and assist with childcare and light household duties in exchange for room, board, and cultural exchange.

In Australia, the majority of au pairs typically hold a 12-month visa, so most placements being 6 months. This duration provides ample time for the au pair to explore and immerse themselves in the Australian experience.

If you’re on the fence about childcare options, read on to explore 8 wonderful reasons why hosting an au pair could be the perfect fit for your family, plus some handy tips to help you get started in finding one.

1. Cultural exchange

Hosting an au pair brings the world to your doorstep. Your family has the opportunity to engage in a cultural exchange, exposing your children to diverse languages, traditions, and perspectives. It’s like having a built-in global experience without leaving the comfort of your home.

2. Language learning

Immersing your children in a multilingual environment can be a tremendous advantage. Au pairs often come from different linguistic backgrounds, providing an authentic language-learning experience for your little ones.

3. Flexible childcare

Au pairs offer flexible childcare tailored to your family’s needs. Whether it’s after-school care, assistance with homework, or engaging in play activities, au pairs can adapt to your schedule and provide personalised attention. Perfect for shift workers, rural families, and busy working families.

4. Light housekeeping support

Beyond childcare, au pairs often lend a helping hand with light housekeeping tasks related to the children. It’s like having an extra set of hands to keep the household running smoothly.

5. Homework help

Homework time can be less stressful when there’s someone dedicated to guiding your children through their assignments. Au pairs can provide academic support, turning study sessions into productive and positive experiences.

6. Part of the family

Hosting an au pair often results in a unique familial bond. Your au pair becomes not just a caregiver but an integral part of your family, sharing in the joys, challenges, and special moments.

7. Support for parents

Au pairs can provide much-needed support for parents, helping to balance the demands of work and family life. Having an extra set of eyes and ears can make a significant difference in managing the day-to-day responsibilities.

8. Affordable childcare option

Compared to other childcare alternatives, hosting an au pair can be a very cost-effective solution. The pocket money provided to au pairs is usually around $300-$350 per week plus board (accommodation and meals), and the flexibility benefits add substantial value to the arrangement.

Handy tips help you get started in finding a great au pair   .

• Define your family’s needs and expectations
• Familiarise yourself with the regulations and requirements of Australia’s au pair program.
• Create a comprehensive profile of your family, highlighting the benefits of living with your family and the cultural exchange experience you can offer.
• Consider using reputable au pair agencies that can assist with the screening and matching process.
• Write a clear job description outlining the au pair’s responsibilities, working hours etc.
• Conduct thorough interviews to assess their experience, personality, and compatibility with your family. Ask for references from previous employers or childcare experiences.
• Clearly discuss expectations, cultural exchange goals, and daily routines with potential au pairs.
• Conduct video interviews to get a better sense of the au pair’s personality and communication skills.
• Download our FREE interview guide.

* 8 Reasons to Host an Au Pair

The post 8 Reasons to consider hosting an Au Pair appeared first on Dream Nannies.

A live in au-pair provides affordable and flexible childcare whilst providing the family and particularly children a positive and rewarding cultural experience. Au Pairs help families with a combination of child care and light housework duties in exchange for board and a weekly allowance/pocket money.  

Au Pairs MUST have work rights for Australia and need to have a valid Working Holiday Visa or Student Visa. If they are not eligible for either of these Visa’s they CANNOT enter Australia.  Its is important to verify their eligibility for a Visa before considering hosting an Au pair.

To help you with this, here is a list of Visa’s with eligible countries

Working Holiday Visa ( Subclass 417)

At the time of application, you must be within the eligible age limit for your passport country:

• Belgium – 18 to 30 years
• Canada – 18 to 35 years
• Republic of Cyprus – 18 to 30 years
• Denmark – 18 to 35 years
• Estonia – 18 to 30 years
• Finland – 18 to 30 years
• France – 18 to 35 years
• Germany – 18 to 30 years
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders) – 18 to 30 years
• Republic of Ireland – 18 to 35 years
• Italy – 18 to 35 years
• Japan – 18 to 30 years
• Republic of Korea – 18 to 30 years
• Malta – 18 to 30 years
• Netherlands – 18 to 30 years
• Norway – 18 to 30 years
• Sweden – 18 to 30 years
• Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport) – 18 to 30 years
• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – 18 to 35 years

You must have enough money to:

• support yourself while you are in Australia
• leave Australia at the end of your stay

This is usually about AUD5,000 for your initial stay, plus the fare to where you are going after leaving Australia.

Changes to the Working Holiday Visa for UK & Northern Ireland Passport Holders

Travellers from the UK can now apply for a working holiday visa from when they are 18 to 35 years-old.

This allows travellers five more years to apply for the working holiday (subclass 417) visa.  

The change, which came into effect on July 1, 2023 only applies to people who use a UK or Northern Ireland passport to lodge their visa application. 

From July 1, 2024 UK passport holders can be granted up to three working holiday visas without having to complete a specific amount of time working on a farm or in a regional area. 

Currently, to be eligible for a second working holiday visa applicants must show that they have done at least three or 88 days of what the government calls “specified work” and six months to secure a third visa. 

This covers various types of work in regional areas from mining, fruit picking and construction to fishing. 

It also includes tourism and hospitality work in northern Australia or remote places. 

UK travellers will continue to be eligible for a maximum of three working holiday visas for 12 months each. 

Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

Ideally au pairs will have already applied for this Visa before they interview with Families as Visa Processing times take longer and have more conditions attached.

You must be a citizen of and hold a valid passport from one of these countries:

• Argentina
• Austria
• Brazil
• Chile
• China, People’s Republic of
• Czech Republic
• Ecuador
• Greece
• Hungary
• Indonesia
• Israel
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Papua New Guinea (PNG)
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovak Republic
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• Türkiye
• Uruguay
• United States of America
• Vietnam

Be aged between 18-30

You must meet the Education Requirement for each country

Generally speaking, you need 2 years of Further Education after completing high school

You must have enough money to:

• support yourself while you are in Australia
• leave Australia at the end of your stay

This is usually about AUD5,000 for your initial stay, plus the fare to where you are going after leaving Australia.

You must have at least Functional English and have one of the following

• You are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland
• you are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by Israel and have successfully completed an English Bagrut exam in the level of 3 study units
• you have completed a relevant approved English language test or assessment
• you have undertaken relevant education

If you need help recruiting your Au Pair please get in touch – we’d love to help!

The post Au Pair in Australia – who is eligible? appeared first on Dream Nannies.

What is a Nanny 

A nanny is a person, typically employed by a family, who is responsible for the care and supervision of children, caring for children in their home.

 Nannies are hired to provide childcare services on a regular basis, and their duties often include tasks such as feeding, bathing, helping with homework, organizing activities, and ensuring the overall well-being and safety of the children under their care.

Unlike babysitters, who are usually hired on a temporary basis for short periods, nannies often have a more long-term and consistent presence in a family’s life. Nannies may work full-time or part-time, and their responsibilities can vary depending on the needs and preferences of the family. 

Most nannies live out and commute to the family home, however some nannies can live-in with the family.

Live in Nannies are not the same as live in Au Pairs – who are overseas visitors on a cultural exchange

(More on Live in Au Pairs in another article)

Nannies can play a crucial role in a child’s development and provide valuable support to busy parents who require assistance with childcare duties.

Nannies can also assist with the smooth running of the household, and take on tasks such as cooking, laundry and light housework

Nanny Arrangements

Live Out Nanny : A live-out nanny does not reside with the family and typically works during specified hours. They commute to the family’s home for work and return to their own residence at the end of their scheduled hours.

Live in Nanny : A live-in nanny resides in the family’s home and is available to provide childcare services around the clock. They may have a separate living space within the family’s home.

Full Time Nanny: A full-time nanny typically works 40 hours or more per week. They may have a regular schedule, such as Monday through Friday, and provide consistent childcare during those hours.

Part Time Nanny: A part-time nanny works fewer hours than a full-time nanny, often on a regular schedule but for a limited number of hours per week. This arrangement is suitable for families who may not need full-time childcare. Many families look for after school nannies who can pick up children from school and also provide school holiday care

Temporary/Travel Nanny: Some families hire nannies for a specific period, such as during school vacations or busy seasons or for when they travel either nationally or internationally. Nannies can either travel with the family or live in and care for children whilst parents travel  This arrangement is temporary and may last for a few weeks or months.

Nanny Share : In a nanny share, two families collaborate to hire one nanny who cares for the children from both families.

Specialised Nanny : Some nannies specialize in certain areas, such as sleep consultants, maternity nurses who care for newborns/infants. Caring for children with special needs.Specialised nannies will have specific training or experience in these areas, and are available for long term or short term contracts as required.

Nanny House Keepers/ Personal Assistants , Great childcarers & oragnisers to help busy families keep the household running well

Dream Nannies recruit for all of these different roles helping families get the right childcare!

The post What is a Nanny? appeared first on Dream Nannies.

If you are super experienced at helping to create and manage social media for small businesses and have a flair for writing and design, you’re creative with lots of positive energy – then this may be the perfect role for you! 

About us

We are a Nanny and Au Pair Agency specialising in matching families with their ideal childcarers all over Australia.  We’re a small team of mums that work in Australia and we’re just also taking on a new recruiter in London!

We work from home, part time and around our family and are passionate about matching families, nannies, and au pairs for that perfect placement! 

We are childcare recruitment specialists and offer exciting job opportunities for both professional nannies and overseas travellers looking for an Au Pair experience where they live in with family, care for children and learn about a new culture 

About the Role

In this role you will be helping us create and manage our social media presence. 

You willbe brainstorming topics; helping to decide the content pillars; creating images / reels to push out to our socials to; making a schedule and doing all the posting across all socials. Taking responsibility for ensuring we are showing up consistently.

You will measure results by tracking metrics and providing insights on each platform to ensure we are maximising our marketing efforts. 

You’ll be experienced across multiple platforms especially those we currently use which are Facebook pages and groups, Instagram, and Linked in. 

This role also has the potential to be broader if your experience suits – helping us set up email nurturing sequences using our CRM ( JobAdder) and Mailchimp. This is a really important role for Dream Nannies as we gear up for an exciting year of growth in 2024.

More about YOU

You’ll quickly become a key member of our small team who can help us grow and scale our business. Eventually we hope to franchise or grow nationally and to have a presence in the UK. 

You’ll already have experienced in planning and executing social media strategies, creating, and publishing content to a variety of platforms, and interacting with communities and audiences, you will be the key person taking responsibility for this in our team.

You’ll have a strong background & track record working with small businesses to grow their on-line presence and have proven success in achieving results

 An interest in family and childcare is useful but not essential.

What’s in it for you

You will get to work with an exciting growing business in a role that offers you flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to bring your ideas and creative flair to the table. 

We’ll quickly become your new favourite client and you’ll be able to work the hours (approx 5 hours pw) around your life and other commitments. 

You’ll be working directly with the decision maker – me, Jackie to create the initial strategy and then you’ll have space to roll it out.

This is a long term role and we expect the hours to be built up over time as we grow, create momentum and the success and sales continue to roll in. 

How to Apply

Please email me at with Subject Heading: Social Media Expert and answer these questions via a quick video and email it to jackie@dreamnannies.com.au

• Tell me about your relevant experience working with similar businesses
• How do you think you can help Dream Nannies gain more customers
• Who do you think are our target market?
• What would you say is your main strength – “special sauce”! 
• Do you have any experience or interest in the childcare /family services market?
• What do you currently charge for your services?
• What hours are you available and when can you start?
• Anything else I need to know? 

The post We’re Hiring! appeared first on Dream Nannies.

To generate interest in your Nanny role, attract the best candidates and receive high quality applications, the key is to be competitive in your offer!

Here is how you can generate more interest in your nanny job offer and increase your chances to fill the position you are offering :

1. Give as many details as possible in your job description (number of children and ages, job location, languages requirements, duties, working hours, start date, length of contract, salary, benefits, type of contract etc, etc…)
2. Make sure duties are children related ONLY otherwise this is not a nanny job. Nannies are not cleaners. For some candidates, it can be a deal breaker if they are expected to cook for the parents, do their laundry etc…
3. Make sure your nanny will not be overworked and will have a good work / private life balance.
4. Offer a competitive salary. Market rates for nannies went up during the pandemic along with demand. There are more families looking for a nanny than candidates looking for a new position… so the higher the salary on offer will be, the more likely you are to find good candidates.
5. Offer as many benefits as possible (guaranteed hours, paid time off, overtime pay, health insurance or stipend, petrol reimbursement or travel card, annual bonus etc…)
6. Make it clear that you will pay your nanny fully on the books. Good candidates will expect to be paid on payroll, and have Superannuation.
7. Think about the hours / days you require a nanny . Are they attractive ? For example before and after school roles and split shifts wont attract professional nannies .

DID YOU KNOW?

Peak times for hiring / finding a Nanny are :

• January when everyone is busy with back to school and parents need to get organized for the school year. And this is the time of year when families and nannies typically part ways.
• The Holiday season when parents need extra help while traveling &.
• End of the school year when parents need to arrange childcare when children are out of school & when they need extra help while traveling again

The post Parents – how to attract the best nannies for your role – January 2023 appeared first on Dream Nannies.