What I wish I knew as an early career nanny
Emma has been where you are. These are the things she wishes someone had told her early on, shared so your start is smoother than hers was.
How you are supposed to be paid
The biggest one. Whether you work under your own ABN or as a payroll employee changes your tax, super, and admin. Knowing which award you fall under matters too: nannies and babysitters generally sit under the Miscellaneous Award 2020. The Know Your Worth guide walks through setting a rate around all of this.
The insurance nobody explained
A family once told Emma their business insurance would cover her. It does not. Childcare liability and professional indemnity insurance are different things. It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended, accidents happen, especially with little people learning to move.
Get your contract clauses right
A clear agreement protects everyone. Set out your duties, pay, hours, and how expenses are handled, whether that is family reimbursement, a joint account, or petty cash with change returned. Decide the approach up front rather than working it out mid-role.
In-home care is different from a centre
You are the only carer, so it is one-on-one supervision throughout the day. You get creative with the resources a family has, rather than a centre's rotating cupboard of toys, and you might even build resource trips into the day as part of the experience.
Set communication expectations early
When you start a new role, agree how you will keep the family in the loop. Do they want a shared daily journal, a text at the end of the day with meals and naps, or contact only at handover unless it is an emergency? Settling this on day one saves a lot of second-guessing later.
You do not have to figure it out alone
Little Smiles Nannying exists partly so newer career caregivers have somewhere to turn. It is free to join the community, ask questions, and find work with families who value you.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Pay rates, awards, insurance, and rules change and every situation differs. Confirm current figures with the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au or seek professional advice.