The Benefits of In-Home Childcare

Embracing the Comfort of Home

Parents and Families live busy lives and we’re constantly having to make decisions that strike a balance between career and fcamily. Choosing the right childcare solution is often one of the most hardest decisions that parent make as it influences not only the well-being of their child but also the overall dynamics of the family life. In New Zealand, families are fortunate to have a variety of childcare options available, each with their own set of benefits. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the growth of in-home childcare as a viable, and preferred option, for a lot of kiwi families.

In-home childcare (like nannies) is where care is provided in your own home and it offers a unique blend of convenience and personalised attention that external facilities can struggle to match. Our blog explores the advantages of in-home childcare compared to traditional external facilities, providing insights into how this works in New Zealand, what options are available, and how platforms like Caresies are making it easier and more reliable than ever to find the perfect carer for your family.

Further in the article we’ll provide some information around what exactly in-home childcare. We’ll also provide some information around why it could be the ideal solution for your childcare needs, and the various supports available in New Zealand like Early Childhood Education (ECE) funding.

Understanding In-Home Childcare in New Zealand

When we use the term “in-home childcare” we are referring to using babysitting and nanny services being provided privately. When people consider a nanny or babysitter, they consider it to be a luxury that only the rich can afford but it’s becoming more common for a range of different families. The personalised approach that a nanny can provide to childcare means they are not just supervising your kids but focusing on nurturing the child's developmental and emotional needs in an environment they feel most secure.

What is In-Home Childcare?

In-home childcare in New Zealand can include anything from part-time to full-time babysitting and nannying. The setup is flexible, accommodating varying schedules and requirements of parents, making it a great option for two working parents or those with non-traditional work hours or specific childcare needs. Nannies usually engage in a range of activities with children, including educational play, meal preparation, homework assistance or sometimes some light housework.

Regulations and Safety

The nanny industry is relatively unregulated in New Zealand. However, nannies are usually employees for the family that they work for meaning that families need to comply with the relevant legislation for hiring a nanny (LINK). That means having an employment contract in place and making sure they’re meeting their requirements under the Holidays Act for leave entitlements.

If a family is receiving funding for early childhood education, then they must meet the legal requirements set forth by the Ministry of Education or other relevant bodies. You’ll also need to make sure you are using an agency with the relevant accreditation like Dream.

One other important point for parents is to ensure that their chosen caregiver is legally allowed to work with children and has undergone appropriate background checks. If you are using Caresies we can help provide some of those background checks and we also refer families to Dream who can complete a thorough screening of a nanny hired privately.

What are the benefits of a nanny for Families and Children?

There’s always pros and cons for each type of childcare option. For now, we’ve outlined some of the benefits, and these can be weighed up against the other childcare options in the next section.

• Consistency and Stability: Children thrive under consistent care, and having a nanny or babysitter come to your home helps maintain a stable environment where they feel safe and secure.
• Tailored Care and Flexibility: In-home childcare allows for one-on-one attention and customised care routines that cater specifically to the child’s and family's needs, unlike in daycare settings where activities and schedules are fixed for groups of children.
• Reduced Exposure to Illnesses: Let’s face it, if your kids are going to daycare, they will likely be sick every other week! In-home care reduces children’s exposure to common bugs that can often run rampant in Kindy and day care facilities.
• Family Involvement: Parents have more opportunities to be involved in their child’s daily activities and development, which can help build stronger bonds and clearer communication between parents and caregivers.

In-home childcare not only provides practical solutions to everyday childcare challenges but also supports the holistic development of children by fostering a nurturing, familiar, and secure environment. With the right information and resources, parents can make informed decisions about engaging in-home childcare to best support their family's unique needs.

Comparing Childcare Options in New Zealand

It wouldn’t be a balanced article if we didn’t explain some of the other options available to parents. In New Zealand, we’re lucky to have a diverse range of childcare options available. We’ve outlined the key ones below:

Daycare Centres

Daycare centres are probably the most common childcare solutions in New Zealand. They provide care for children in a group setting, typically operating during standard working hours, to accommodate parents’ work schedules. Some daycares will also provide the option for both shorter and longer days, depending on the availability of the centre and needs to the family. Daycare centres are regulated in New Zealand and have to adhere with minimum requirements, and they can also manage the access direct to ECE funding for kids under 5.

• Pros: Daycare centres offer a structured setting where children can engage in various educational and social activities with peers. They often have access to specialised resources and must have staff trained in early childhood education.

• Cons: Due to the nature of group settings, children might not receive as much individual attention. The risk of exposure to illnesses can sometimes be higher compared to in-home childcare.

Kindergarten

Kindy tends to focus on preparing children for school through curriculum-based learning and play. They typically cater to children from about three to five years old and operate during the school term and usually match school hours.

• Pros: They offer a structured educational program that helps children develop the skills needed for school. Kindergartens are also a good setting for children to develop social skills.

• Cons: Like school, kindergartens operate on fixed schedules, which might not be flexible enough for all families. They also break for school holidays, which can be challenging for working parents.

Au Pairs

An au pair lives with a family and provides childcare, often along with light housework, in exchange for room, board, and a regular salary. This can be a more immersive option for both the child and the caregiver and can often be more cost effective than hiring a live-out nanny. If you are considering an au pair, we’d recommend checking out au pair link  who are awesome at finding a great au pair.

• Pros: Au pairs can offer more flexible care hours and become integrated into the family’s daily life, providing a consistent caregiving presence. Given the addition of board and lodgings in an au pair’s pay, they often are more cost-effective than a full-time or part-time nanny.

• Cons: Having an au pair requires providing room and board and might not be suitable for families looking for part-time childcare solutions. For families that prioritise space and separation between work and personal life, an au pair can sometimes pose challenges, as the close quarters may occasionally strain the boundaries between professional duties and family privacy.

In-Home Childcare

Finally, in-home childcare involves a caregiver (usually a nanny) providing services directly in the child’s home. This can include both babysitters and nannies, depending on the level of care and hours needed.

• Pros: Offers highly personalised care and flexible arrangements that can adapt to the unique needs of the family. It also allows children to stay in a familiar environment.

• Cons: Finding the right match can be challenging, and it is generally more expensive than group childcare or au pair options.

Each of these options has its strengths and might suit different family situations and child care needs. For families valuing flexibility, comfort, and personalised care, in-home childcare than be found via platforms like Caresies offers a great solution.

The Caresies Difference: Babysitters and Nannies

Caresies simplifies finding reliable childcare, whether you need a babysitter for a few hours or a full-time nanny. The service offers flexibility for occasional care or consistent, daily childcare with educational engagement.

Trust is paramount in childcare, and we built Caresies with that in mind. Our goal was to build a platform that provides parents with the tools to be able to complete

• ID Verification: Before a Carer is able to apply for a role, they need to have their ID verified. We use a secure third party tool from Stripe to enable this.

• Right to Work Checks: Carer’s are able to submit the relevant right to work documents to Caresies and our team then verifies this to make sure they have the correct right to work in New Zealand.

• Police Vetting: Caresies is an approved agency so we are able to complete vetting checks on behalf of carers. Once these are completed they’ll show up with a tick next to the profile in Caresies. If you are thinking about hiring a nanny, but haven’t completed a vetting check, we definitely recommend that you do.

• Additional Screening available: For families who want additional peace of mind and a more thorough vetting process, we partnered with Dream. They can complete an interview, vetting check and also background checks on your nanny.

When you post an in-home childcare job on Caresies, we’ll send it to Carers in your area who match the criteria that you’re looking for. They’ll get a direct notification and, if they are available and interested, will be able to start applying for your job.

Opting for Caresies means gaining a partner in your childcare journey. The platform supports families by offering resources and assistance, ensuring a smooth and secure childcare experience.

Access to ECE Funding for In-Home Childcare

Navigating the financial aspects of childcare can be a challenge, but in New Zealand, families have access to Early Childhood Education (ECE) funding, which can also apply to qualified in-home childcare services. Understanding how to access and utilise this funding can significantly ease the financial burden of childcare.

Understanding ECE Funding

ECE funding is a government initiative designed to support the education and care of children between the ages of two and five years old. This funding is intended to make early childhood education more affordable and accessible for families.

To be eligible, the headline requirements for a family are as follows:

• • Age Requirement: The child must be between the ages of 2 and 5.

• • Service Qualification: The in-home childcare provider must be part of a service that is recognised and approved by the Ministry of Education.

Applying for ECE Funding

The application process for ECE funding involves several key steps:

1. Identify a Qualified Provider: Ensure that your in-home childcare provider is associated with a service that meets the Ministry of Education’s criteria.

2. Application Submission: Typically, the childcare provider will handle the submission of funding applications on behalf of the family.

3. Documentation: Parents may need to provide documentation to prove eligibility, such as proof of residence or the child’s birth certificate.

Benefits of ECE Funding

Utilising ECE funding for in-home childcare not only helps with affordability but also allows children to receive personalized care in a familiar environment, which is conducive to learning and development.

By leveraging ECE funding, parents can alleviate some of the financial pressures of childcare, making in-home options more accessible. This section of the blog would serve to guide parents through the process, ensuring they can make the most of the available resources to support their childcare needs.

In Auckland there are a number of nanny agencies that would be able to assist with access to ECE funding. We recommend:

1. Red Robin

2. Dream

Useful Resources 

Choosing the right in-home childcare involves more than just understanding the different types and funding options. It's also about having access to the right resources and considering various factors that affect the childcare experience. Here, we provide useful links and address common concerns to help parents make informed decisions.

To assist with the decision-making process, here are some essential resources:

1. Caresies Platform: Caresies - For finding babysitters and nannies

2. Ministry of Education: For detailed information on ECE funding and childcare regulations.

3. Inland Revenue: Working for Families - Information on tax credits that can help offset childcare costs

4. Employment NZ: Guidance on employing staff, which is useful when becoming the employer of a nanny for the first time

5. Au Pair Link: One of the leading agencies for hiring an au-pair in NZ

6. Dream: Approved agency for ECE funding for in-home care in Auckland

7. Red Robin: Approved agency for ECE funding for in-home care in Auckland

8. Pay The Nanny: Specialists in Nanny Payroll Services in New Zealand and helping families managing the requirements of employing an in-home carer.

If you need more help, or guidance around getting started then don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Caresies and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Final Comments

Choosing in-home childcare offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond convenience. It provides a nurturing environment where children receive personalised attention, fostering their development in familiar surroundings.

With resources like Caresies (LINK), parents in New Zealand have reliable access to nannies and babysitters, ensuring quality and safety in childcare. By utilising options like ECE funding and understanding the various supports available, families can make this form of childcare accessible and affordable.

As we've explored, the right in-home childcare setup not only supports the child’s growth but also aligns with the family’s lifestyle and values, striking a good balance. We encourage parents to consider the long-term benefits of in-home care and to utilise the resources provided to make informed decisions that best suit their needs and those of their children.

If you’re ready to find the perfect caregiver for your family, contact Caresies today and explore the options we have available. Let us help you secure the best care for your child’s needs.