Sorting Your Childcare for 2025: Start Planning Today

As we look ahead to 2025, many families around New Zealand are already thinking about their childcare needs for the new year. With the pressures of balancing work, family, and everything else, sorting your childcare arrangements now can set you up for an easier and less stressful start to the year ahead. Whether you’re planning for part-time care, a full-time nanny, or an au pair, getting things sorted early will save you time and headaches down the line.

In 2025, families will continue to seek more flexible and professional childcare solutions, with nannies taking on a variety of roles, from a few afternoons a week to full-time care. It’s clear that securing the right help earlier than later will ensure your family’s needs are well met.

Clarifying Your Childcare Needs

Start with a Clear Job Description

It may seem strange to start with a job description before you’ve even met a potential nanny, but this is one of the best ways to get clear on exactly what you’re looking for. A well-written job description helps you define your requirements and attract the right fit for your family.

Here’s what to include in your job description:

• Your Family Needs: Think about your family’s lifestyle and what you need in terms of childcare hours, responsibilities, and flexibility.
• Job Summary: Create a brief overview of what the role will involve, from the core tasks to the expectations for the nanny.
• Duties and Responsibilities: Outline the day-to-day responsibilities you need covered, like school pickups, cooking meals, or light housework.
• Qualifications: Do you need someone with specific certifications, such as first aid, early childhood education, or years of experience? Be sure to note that here.
• Parenting Style: Are there any particular parenting philosophies you follow? For example, if you avoid screen time or prefer a focus on healthy eating, make these clear.

Writing out the job description first will also be useful when working with agencies or posting the job on platforms like Caresies, so it’s an important first step in the process.

Live-In vs Live-Out Nanny: What’s Right for You?

Once you have a clear idea of what you need, it’s time to think about the type of nanny arrangement that will work best for your family: live-in or live-out? Both options come with their own set of advantages, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

• Live-In Nanny (Au Pair): Live-in nannies, often referred to as au pairs, are typically younger individuals seeking a cultural exchange. This option is often more affordable, as room and board are included in the package, but finding a local live-in nanny can be challenging. Many families opt for an au pair, especially for a fixed-term arrangement. Au pairs can offer flexibility since they live with you, so they are often available on short notice if your child is sick or you need a last-minute date night.
• Live-Out Nanny: A live-out nanny is a professional who doesn’t live with you but comes to your home during scheduled hours. While this option may be more expensive (since you won’t be offering board and lodging), it’s often preferred by families who want clear boundaries between work and home life. Many live-out nannies are career childcare professionals who offer flexibility in terms of hours but don’t require as much support as a live-in nanny might.

The right choice really depends on your family’s schedule and how much support you need. If you’re unsure, weigh the benefits of both and decide what feels best for your unique situation.

Beginning Your Nanny Search

Tap into Your Network First

Before turning to agencies or platforms, start by reaching out to friends, family, or colleagues. New Zealand is famous for its "two degrees of separation," so you might be surprised at how many recommendations and personal connections you can gather by simply asking around.

Explore Online Platforms and Agencies

If you don’t find a nanny through personal recommendations, it’s time to look at other options. Whether you want to take the reins on the hiring process or prefer some help, there are several great resources available.

• Online Platforms: For a broader range of candidates and the ability to manage the process yourself, platforms like Caresies are great tools. These platforms give you access to a variety of nannies and babysitters, and you can manage the entire hiring process online.
• Nanny Agencies: If you prefer more hands-on support, a nanny agency might be the way to go. These agencies offer a more tailored service and will help you find the best candidates for your family’s specific needs. Agencies like Dream Nannies, Red Robin, and Au Pair Link are well-known in Auckland and can assist with the entire recruitment process.
• Social Media and Facebook Groups: If cost is a concern, you can also check out local Facebook groups for nannies and babysitters. Groups like Auckland Childcare, In Home Care and Babysitting or Au Pair, Nannies and Babysitters Auckland can be helpful for finding nannies in your area.

Here's some links to different platforms, agencies and facebook groups:
1. Caresies - NZ's leading childcare platform

2. Dream Nannies - Auckland based nanny agency

3. Red Robin - Auckland based nanny agency

4. Au Pair Link - NZ wide au pair agency

5. Auckland Nanny Facebook Group

6. Auckland Childcare Facebook Group

Screening and Interviewing Candidates

Conduct Thorough Background Checks

Once you’ve found a few potential candidates, it’s time to dig deeper. Hiring a nanny is a big responsibility, and you need to ensure you’re hiring someone trustworthy and qualified.

• Job Interviews: Ask detailed questions about their experience, qualifications, and approach to childcare. This is also a good time to see if their personality and values align with yours.
• Reference Checks: Always perform at least two reference checks—one from a character reference and one from an employer.
• Police Vetting: Make sure to conduct a police vetting check for peace of mind. Services like Caresies and various agencies can help with this.
• Right to Work: Ensure your nanny has the legal right to work in New Zealand and verify their identity.

Formalising the Hire

Once you've found the perfect nanny, the next step is to extend a formal job offer. A job offer solidifies the intention to hire and makes sure both you and the nanny are on the same page about expectations.

If you’re using Caresies, you can easily send a job offer via the platform, and the nanny can accept it with a click. Make sure the offer includes:

• Start Date
• Hourly Rate
• Working Hours
• Key Job Responsibilities

Employment Agreement and Legal Considerations

Once the nanny accepts the job offer, it’s time to formalise the hire with an employment agreement. This agreement should include:

• Hours of Work: Specify regular working hours, and include any flexibility for overtime if necessary.
• Duties and Responsibilities: Clearly state what is expected, including child care, light housework, meal preparation, etc.
• Compensation: Outline hourly pay, payment frequency, and any additional benefits like Kiwisaver contributions.
• Duration of Employment: Make it clear if the role is fixed-term or ongoing, and outline any renewal or termination conditions.
• Confidentiality: Include any privacy clauses regarding photos, social media, and family details.

It’s crucial that the agreement is legally sound and adheres to New Zealand’s employment laws. Pay The Nanny provides useful templates and guidance to help you with this process.

Payroll and Taxes

As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring the nanny is paid correctly and that all taxes and deductions are taken care of. You’ll need to manage things like sick leave, annual leave, and other employee benefits. To simplify this, you can either use payroll software or work with a specialist provider like Pay The Nanny, who can handle the details for you.

Conclusion

Sorting out your childcare for 2025 doesn’t have to be a stressful task. By starting the process now, you’ll have plenty of time to find the right nanny or caregiver for your family. Whether you need a full-time nanny, a part-time babysitter, or an au pair, planning ahead ensures you won’t be scrambling for help in the new year.

Use platforms like Caresies to find qualified nannies, or consult with agencies for personalised services. Take your time with the interview process, conduct thorough checks, and formalise the hire with a clear employment agreement. Doing so will set you up for a great start to 2025, with a trusted caregiver who fits seamlessly into your family’s life.

If you need help or advice along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to support you through every step of the process.