Using a nanny agency

Finding a nanny can be not only daunting but time consuming.

If you are on the search for a nanny there are a few options available.

You can use an agency, advertise privately or be recommended a nanny through word of mouth. There are many advantages in using an agency to find a nanny or even a babysitter.

Using an agency takes out a lot of the work for you.

There are many agencies around so we suggest doing your research to find the best one that suits you and your needs.

There may be a cost difference for using an agency, however, it’s important to note that the charges of a nanny agency can vary but just because an agency costs more does not mean they are the best or offer more just as a cheaper agency may not offer what you need.

A good agency does all the vetting such as reference checks, pre-employment interviews, etc.

It’s recommended you keep open, honest communication with your agency so that they are not only up to date with your requirements but they keep you up to date with the search.

There are many advantages to using a good nanny agency.

They do their own advertising and recruitment process. They may have a higher caliber of nanny registered with them based on their good reputation.

You can use the ‘traditional’ Nanny agencies or use an online ‘agencies’ . Most nanny agencies have an online presence.

We have a mix of both the traditional nanny agency and only online ones in our nanny agency directory as a starting point. https://www.seriouslykids.com.au/nannying/nanny-agency-directory/

• Find a reputable agency that does personal interviews, checks references, carries out the appropriate checks, etc.
• As with anything ask lots of questions of the agency. If it doesn’t feel right don’t use them and move on to another agency. Questions such as how long have they been operating? How do they register a potential nanny? What is their process? What is their success rate?
• Establish the costs for using their agency. Some agencies use a placement fee while others have a registration fee and what is their rate of pay?
• Establish what is on offer aside from them finding you a nanny. Such as do they offer a trail period? What happens if the nanny doesn’t work out? Find out what are the ‘rules’ of employing a nanny through them such as do they do a nanny employment contract, is there a notice period, etc.
• Contact a few agencies to compare their rates, processes and the general feeling of the first contact with them.
• What is their screening process?

As with everything agency costs can vary greatly.

It is important you decide on your budget before contacting agencies as this may decide the agency you use.

However, consider all the pro’s and con’s for an agency based not only on the cost.

Placement Fee:

This is a once off fee that you pay upon placement of nanny. It is vital to establish the terms of payment, the different charges and if there is any refund, replacement, etc.

Some agencies can command higher fees because they are more reputable agencies that offer a better service all round.

The terms of the placement fee may vary greatly from agency to agency, as does the fee. It is wise to establish exactly what the costs are and what they cover.

A placement fee could be a set fee or could be the daily rate times the number of days you are employing your nanny.

Be aware that the charges vary within an agency depending if you are employing a part time nanny, a babysitter, etc and sometimes the cost can increase for the qualification and experience of the nanny themselves.

You also need to clarify the terms and conditions of paying the placement fee. For example: Do they have a guarantee/replacement period? Some agencies have different payment structures within the placement fees an agency may need all of the placement fee up front and others may take an installment option.

Placement fees can range from as little as a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.

Registration Fee:

Some agencies charge a registration fee. Depending on the agency it may be a once of fee. Other agencies may have a yearly or each service registration fee

Some agencies charge it to cover the time and effort taken in sourcing your nanny therefore it may be charged should you need a new nanny at a later date after a successful placement.

It’s important to establish what the registration fee covers and any additional costs that may be incurred.

Registration fees can be under $100 or well over it.

Charge per hour:

This is where the wages for the nanny is paid through the agency, therefore it is considered labour hire as like any other employment agency. The agency’s rate may vary depending on the nanny. This is primarily based on their qualifications and/or experience. You are able to establish as well as question the rate.

You may find that not very many agencies do employ the nanny on your behalf in this way. The benefit of using such an agency would be that they would cover all the wage related issues such as work cover and tax, superannuation, etc.

You may find that in this case you will be paying a higher rate than you would have if you employed the nanny directly; however, you have the benefit of the agency doing all the hard work for you. So for example if you were thinking of paying your nanny $20/hour and you went through the agency it may more likely be charged around the $30/hour mark to cover tax, superannuation, insurance, etc.

To make an informed decision on the agency you decide on using it is recommended to contact many and compare.

Also if your time is short in finding a nanny perhaps look at using a few agencies as a nanny many register with one or many agency. The nanny that best suits your needs may not be with the one agency you register with.