Live In Nanny vs. Au Pair. Not The Same Thing. What Australian Families Need to Know
Let us be clear about something first. An au pair and a Nanny-Educator are not the same thing. They are two different arrangements and it is important that families understand the difference before they start looking.
Every week we speak with families who have searched for an au pair and what they are actually looking for is something quite different. We have been placing professional Nanny Educators with Australian families since 1988 and we know this conversation well. So here is what you need to know.
What is an Au Pair?
An au pair is typically a young person between 18 and 30 who comes to Australia on a working holiday visa. They live with a host family, help with childcare and light household tasks, and in return receive accommodation, meals and a weekly allowance.
It is a cultural exchange arrangement. The au pair gets to experience life in Australia and the family gets some extra help. It is seem more as a “Big Sister” arrangement. For families who enjoy hosting and are looking for a shorter term, more informal setup, with school age children particularly those learning languages such as French it can work well. But it is not professional childcare and it was never designed to be.
An Au Pair works 15 to 30 hours per week only and is not able to look after children under school age.
What is a Live In Nanny?
A Live In Nanny-Educator is a childcare professional who lives in your home as part of a formal employment arrangement. This is someone who has chosen early childhood education as their career.
At Placement Solutions our Live In Nanny-Educators are:
• Legally employed with a proper contract
• Paid above the award wage, not a pocket money allowance
• Thoroughly reference checked and screened by Placement Solutions
• Experienced and qualified in early childhood education and development
• Entitled to superannuation, leave, workcover and all standard employment conditions
We also offer a Part-Time Live In Nanny-Educator, working 15 to 30 hours per week. This gives families all the warmth and consistency of a live-in arrangement without the need for full-time hours.
So What Are the Main Differences?
Employment and pay. An au pair receives a weekly allowance. A Nanny Educator is formally employed and paid at professional award rates with all the entitlements that come with that.
Experience and screening. Au pairs vary in their childcare background. Every Nanny Educator we place has been carefully selected ,is an experienced and qualified Nanny Educator and has been thoroughly reference checked and matched to your specific family.
Undertakes and attends professional development. Organised through the Agency annually to keep up to professional standards. Nanny/Educators at Placement Solutions undertake ACECQA training for the National In-home Childcare standards.
Has undertaken mandatory National Child Safety Training. As of Feb 2026 this course is mandatory for all those working for a government approved service such as Placement Solutions.
Has current first aid and CPR. This is a requirement of the National In home childcare standards
Length of stay. Au pairs are on working holiday visas so their stay is time-limited by their visa strictures’ Live In Nanny Educator can stay with your family for as long as you need, giving your children real consistency and stability.
The focus of the arrangement. An au pair arrangement is a mutual exchange. A Live In Nanny Educator is a career professional whose entire focus is on your children and your household.
Which One Is Right for Your Family?
It depends on what you are actually looking for.
An au pair can be a good fit if you want a shorter-term arrangement and enjoy the cultural exchange side of things. If you love having a young person in your home who brings energy and a unique perspective, that can be a genuinely positive experience. It can work well for those with school age children.
A Live In Nanny Educator is the right choice when you need professional, consistent, qualified care for your children. Families where both parents work long or irregular hours, families with younger children under school age or babies who need experienced care every day, families in rural or regional areas, and families who want the confidence of knowing their nanny has been professionally placed and fully supported by an agency.
We Are Here to Help You Decide
There is no pressure and no right or wrong answer. There is no right or wrong answer. What matters is that you know what each arrangement actually involves. We take the time to understand your family and what you are really looking for before we recommend anything.
We place professional Live In Nanny Educators with families across Australia.
Give us a call on 1300 854 624 or visit placementsolutions.com.au and we will be happy to talk it through with you. Organise a time to talk with us here
https://www.placementsolutions.com.au/contact-us-nanny-form for a free, no obligations consultation.