Cost vs. value: How much should you pay for childcare?
One of the most important questions parents will have to answer is what type of childcare to use. There is a huge range of options in Melbourne, all varying in expense.
While new parents may be daunted by the price of quality childcare, as a cost versus value proposition, paying more for your childcare is worth it as long as you're getting the right things in return. Here's why you should consider paying for a premium Nanny agency:
1) It's your children
Quality childcare can be expensive. However, when it comes to your children, should price really be the most important factor? For parents, the health, happiness and safety of their child will be the top concern. And the best way to ensure these three elements is by paying for a premium childcare service.
2) You're getting a more individualised service
At Placement Solutions, we generally use a ratio of one Nanny/Educator to one or two children (of any age).
Essentially, the cost of childcare comes down to something called the carer-child ratio. The fee implications of this ratio are simple - the more children each carer looks after, the lower the staffing cost per child.
Australian law states that there must be one carer to four children for babies, and up to 10 children for preschoolers. This extends to 15 in Victoria for children over preschool age. At Placement Solutions, we generally use a ratio of one Nanny/Educator to one or two children (of any age). Four is the absolute maximum, and we only allow this in special circumstances and for children aged 2 and above.
The benefits of this are clear: A Placement Solutions Nanny/Educator can give greater, more individualised care to your child. They have the time to really get to know and understand your child, and are better able to provide the tailored care that your child requires.
3) You're accessing the best Nanny/Educators available
You can only provide certain benefits to a Nanny/Educator when you employ them legally i.e. as an employee and not a contractor.
A Nanny agency can only obtain and retain the best professionals in the field by looking after their employees properly. In practice, this means offering good wages as well as security in the form of superannuation, sick leave, and other employee entitlements.
You can only provide these benefits to a Nanny/Educator when you employ them legally, i.e. as an employee and not a contractor. This has become all the more important now that Australia's Fair Work Commission has begun cracking down on agencies that engage Nanny/Educators as independent contractors. Premium Nanny agencies like Placement Solutions provide all these benefits and more, and we can only do this by offering a higher wage rate.
When Nanny agencies do offer these things, they are able to attract the best, most experienced Nannies available.
4) They have qualifications and experience
The best Nanny/Educators have strong qualifications and experience, and they will only go to Nanny agencies that pay a premium for their superior services. Here at Placement Solutions, our recruitment process is stringent and thorough. We require a minimum of three years in the industry, and pay more for Nanny/Educators who show loyalty to us and who undergo training to ensure they are providing the best quality care possible for your child.
5) You're also paying for premium vetting
When using a Nanny agency, you're paying for the premium and assurance that an agency holds in vetting. Placement Solutions specialises in this vetting and screening process. We require all our Nanny/Educators to have:
- A minimum of three years' experience
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have references from reliable and reputable sources that have been personally checked and verified by us
- A National Police check
- Current First Aid certificate
- Verified, current Working with Children Check
- Training in mandatory reporting of child abuse
- Valid visa or right to work.
When you engage a premium Nanny agency, you can go to work with the peace of mind that your Nanny/Educator has been extensively vetted and knows how to uncover red flags before they ever come into contact with your family. As such, when you pay a premium, it's to ensure you find the best candidate for your family.
Keeping Nanny/Educator costs down while still receiving a premium service
At Placement Solutions, we understand that not everyone can afford the most expensive Nanny/Educators.
At Placement Solutions, we understand that not everyone can afford the most expensive Nanny/Educators. That's why we've created a range of ways to make our Nanny/Educators accessible to a broad range of people. Our Nanny share service involves one Nanny/Educator caring for the children of two families at once (up to four children in total). This gives families access to all the benefits of in-home childcare, while also providing the extra socialisation opportunities for the children involved.
We also offer a part-time Nannying arrangement that can supplement other forms of childcare such as daycare or nursery.
Placement Solutions: A premium Nanny agency for your child
When it comes to your child, you want the best care possible. Placement Solutions can provide this. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and find the best Nanny/Educator option for you, or book a customer service call using our online booking function.