How to Choose a Nanny Agency in Melbourne: A Parent's Checklist
Choosing childcare for your home is a personal decision. A good agency should make the process clearer, safer and more tailored to your family, not simply send a list of available people. Use this checklist to compare a nanny agency in Melbourne and decide what questions to ask before you commit.
1. Ask how candidates are screened
Find out what checks are completed before a Nanny Educator is introduced to your family. Ask whether the agency verifies identity, work rights, qualifications, relevant experience and references. For work with children in Victoria, ask about a current Employee Working with Children Check and how its status is checked. You can read more about organisations’ responsibilities on the Victorian Government’s Working with Children Check page.
Ask about first aid and CPR training, too, and whether experience matches your children’s ages and needs. If the role includes driving, caring for a baby or supporting a child with additional needs, check that the person has relevant experience.
2. Understand how matching works
A thoughtful match considers more than availability. The agency should ask about your children, routines, location, hours, household expectations and the qualities that matter to your family. It should also explain how it assesses a candidate’s experience, communication style and suitability for the role.
Prepare a brief with the hours and duties, start date, children’s needs, transport requirements and any important household preferences. Ask whether you can interview shortlisted candidates, introduce them to your children and arrange a trial or handover before the role begins.
If you’re searching for “find nanny melbourne,” look for a service that listens carefully before suggesting candidates. You can review Placement Solutions’ Melbourne Nanny Educator services to understand the local service offering.
3. Clarify who employs the Nanny Educator
Before care starts, establish whether the agency employs the Nanny Educator or introduces them for your family to employ directly. Ask who handles payroll, tax, superannuation, insurance and workplace obligations, and make sure responsibilities are clearly set out in writing.
Review the agreement for duties, hours, rates, cancellation terms, notice periods and what happens if the arrangement is not working. Nanny Educators are paid under the Children’s Services Award or under the Miscellaneous Workers Award. Ask the agency to explain how pay and any relevant employment conditions will apply to your arrangement.
4. Compare fees and ongoing support
Request a complete fee schedule before you sign. Check what is included, when payments are due, and whether there are extra charges for interviews, trials, cancellations or replacement placements. Ask what support is available if your Nanny Educator is unwell, the match changes or you need help after the placement begins.
A nanny service in Melbourne should be clear about its process and responsive to your questions. Compare the full service and terms, not just the initial fee. For a related guide, see [blog link: understanding the cost and value of in-home childcare].
5. Check experience and accountability
Ask how long the agency has operated, who owns it and how it maintains professional standards. Placement Solutions is Australia’s oldest established nanny agency, founded in 1988 and still Australian-owned and operated by its original owner, representing 38 years of experience and expertise. Its awards include the 2018 APNA (USA) Excellence in Agency Services award; founder Louise Dunham’s 2018 APNA Lifetime Achievement Award and 2022 INA Meritorious Service Award; and the inaugural 2025 AHCA Life Membership Award.
Your takeaway
The right agency should be transparent about screening, matching, employment arrangements, fees and ongoing support. Ask for clear answers and written terms, then choose the service that understands your family’s needs and gives you confidence in the care. For more information, visit Placement Solutions.