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. What's the difference between a nanny and a mother's help? A nanny is someone who has gained a recognised qualification in childcare and/or a valuable level of expertise in the care and management of children, including child development (physical, intellectual, locomotor, emotional, social), child psychology, nutrition, safety, first aid, anatomy etc. A mother's help tends to be someone who is either newly qualified or unqualified but has some experience in the care of children. She may have been caring for children for many years or she may be someone who has a love of children and is starting out on a career in child care. Mothers' helps are usually suitable for the care of children of 3 years and upwards unless they have specific relative experience of children below this age. They may require more direction to meet your children's needs and would usually be prepared to do some light house work as well as child care. They are an appropriate choice if you are at home or working part time and require an extra pair of hands. 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? Is the flexibility that a nanny offers a key requirement? 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. Tinies' consultants are always there to help. 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 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 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. Does the person who looks after my children have to be qualified? Not necessarily. It depends on their age and experience. Certainly if the nanny is young then it would be unusual for her not to be qualified. Tinies have nannies from their late teens through to 'Granny Nannies' and everyone in between. Most of our nannies are formally trained holding a National Nanny Certificate, however other qualifications are Early Childhood Teachers (DipTching ECE), Teachers (DipTching), Nurses (RN & RGON), Midwives, Karitane Nurses, Social Workers and toher child and health related qualifications. Do I need to draw up a contract between my nanny and myself? Yes. All nannies and families (employers) should draw up an employment agreement as protection for both parties. A contract is not required in the case of a nanny temping day-to-day or a babysitter. Tinies supply a standard employment agreement which you are feel to amend as you see fit. Are we able to have a trial period? We strongly suggest to both families and nannies that a trial period is a good idea. It can be written into the employment agreement if both parties agree; however it is unlawful for an employer to make a trial period mandatory. A trial period is usually for one month, during the course of which either party may give the other party one weeks notice. 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. Is there a minimum number of hours per day a nanny will work? We usually suggest no less than 3 hours per day. What back up is there if our nanny is sick or away? We provide a temporary and emergency carer service providing temporary nannies on a short notice basis. Please call the office as soon as you are able so we may assist you. All temp placements are charged on our usual scale of fees. Does Tinies send an invoice for Agency Fees? Yes invoices are sent following confirmation of a placement and are due for payment within 14 days. If a temporary nanny or babysitter is booked and confirmed and then you cancel, the booking fee will be payable as a cancellation fee. Does Tinies apply the same checks to temporary nannies and babysitters? Our babysitters and temporary nannies are usually our nannies as well - we interview all candidates regardless of the work they are seeking and all are fully reference and police checked. Can you assist me in finding an after school nanny? We will try. We experience year round high demand for after school carers and they are difficult to find! E-mail your questions to our childcare experts at info@tinies.co.nz