Finding your dream nanny: Nanny Cryssie’s top interview tips

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Practical, expert-led advice to help families confidently navigate the nanny interview process, from employment considerations and costs to credentials, values and expectations.

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WORDS: Crystle Range AKA Nanny Cryssie

So, your family has decided to start looking for a nanny? Whether you want an in-home care nanny as an alternative or alongside other care options like learning centres and family daycare, it can feel daunting knowing how to get a nanny onboard.


Here are some questions to ask yourselves before you start interviewing for a nanny.

1. Contracted or employed?

Regardless of how you have acquired your nanny, check for their status as either a contracted or employed worker. Your responsibilities will be different depending on this. Including tax obligations, work cover, superannuation contributions, insurances, and different award rates. NannyPay is a great resource for this.

2. WorkCover requirements for household workers

Workcover. Do you require household worker work cover? Check your state’s local work cover insurance authority. This is essential to ensure you are covered if a worker gets injured in your home.

3. Discuss wants and needs before you begin

Get clear on what your family’s needs are before starting the process of finding a nanny. What are your family values, allocated budget for a nanny, and what values do you want your nanny to uphold?

4. Discuss your wants and needs as a family

Do you require someone who can drive the kids around, light housekeeping duties, and nap time management? What are your nanny’s passions, talents, skills etc that may enhance the desirability for your family.

These are some of the essential questions to ask and topics to discuss with an interviewee.

1. All rates of pay and any other potential costs

Discuss cost transparency including pricing structures, cost per hour for different services, and additional fees and surcharges that may apply. Ask about everyday rates, nanny share rates, overnight rates, public holiday fees, late fees, and cancellation policy.

2. Credentials and checks to request

  • The below credentials are the important ones to ask for. Always ask for evidence and check that documents are in-date.
  • a Working with Children (WWCC) check
  • references from previous clients/employers (recommended)
  • childcare qualifications (not required in a nanny role but can be desirable)
  • certifications like first aid, CPR, RRHAN-EC certificate (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care)
  • Child Safe Environments policy

Follow these tips to ensure you start your family’s nanny journey with a strong foundation built on professionalism and mutual respect.

Crystle Range is an early childhood nanny, children’s book author–illustrator and play space designer, offering a unique perspective on family life, early learning and community play. She’s passionate about helping young families find their village.

nannycryssie.com.au
@nanny.cryssie

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