Please choose a question from below. If you are unable to find the information you were looking for, please feel free to contact us.

How does Tiny Delights Nanny Agency work?
How do I book a babyitter?
I need a permenant nanny 5 days a week, what is the process for this?
What happens if my nanny leaves within the 6 week guarantee period?
How does tiny delights screen nannies and babysitters?
How much experience do your nannies have?
Can we have the same babysitter again?
Do you ever turn away nannies or babysitters?
Do you ever turn away families?
How much should I pay my nanny?
Do you charge nannies a fee to register?
I am looking for a nanny position but do not have a blue card, how do I apply?
Do you take money out of the nanny/babysitters hourly rate?
Does Tiny Delights employ nannies and babysitters?
Do I need to take out Work Cover?
Do I need to withhold tax from my nannies wage?
Do I need to contribute superannuation into a fund for my nanny?
Our nanny will be using her car to transport the children. Do I have to pay her mileage?
Are we entitled to any childcare benefits if we employ a nanny?
What are the benefits of hiring a nanny?
Why should I hire a nanny through Tiny Delights?
Why should I register as a nanny with Tiny Delights?
What is a Share Nanny?
Can I get a receipt for nanny fees?

Q. HOW DOES TINY DELIGHTS NANNY AGENCY WORK?
A. Tiny Delights is an agency matching child carers with families. In return for this service, a booking fee or a placement fee is charged to the family/client. The amount of this fee depends on the position. Please see 'Schedule of Fees' on our website www.tinydelights.com.au for more information.
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Q. HOW DO I BOOK A BABYITTER?
A. For babysitting or casual positions please call us or use the online booking form on our website. If you have used the online booking form we will give you a call to discuss further. A casual booking fee is payable to the agency via credit card/bank deposit to secure the booking. When your babysitter arrives you will pay her the hourly rate as discussed at the time of booking. This hourly rate will vary from one carer to the next as this is dependent on experience. We feel it is unfair for all nannies to earn the same hourly rate as they all have varying experience and qualifications.
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Q. I NEED A PERMENANT NANNY 5 DAYS A WEEK, WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR THIS?
A. Before Tiny Delights can begin looking for a permanent nanny for you, you must complete the online registration form and scan and email us the signed Business Agreement. This registration is detailed but is necessary so that we can find the most suitable nanny for your family's needs. We will give you a call to discuss your registration in more detail and to gain a greater understanding of the type of carer that would work well with your family.

At this stage we will send you an invoice for a deposit of $100. We will then begin the search for you and contact you to discuss possible candidates. Once you have decided on a nanny to interview we will send you a professional family kit which includes information on interviewing, contracts, etc. Once your nanny has commenced employment, we will send you an invoice for the outstanding amount. Over the following 8 weeks we will contact you to discuss how your nanny is working out and to talk to you about any issues that may have arisen or answer any questions you may have. All permanent placements come with a six week guarantee, provided the invoice has been paid in full. Please see 'How It Works' on our website for more information.
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Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY NANNY LEAVES WITHIN THE 6 WEEK GUARANTEE PERIOD?
A. We will endeavour to find you another nanny as soon as possible. Should your nanny not fulfil her duties as set out in the contract, we will do our best to find you a temporary nanny free of charge. If for some reason we cannot find you a suitable nanny, we will refund you 50% of the placement fee (minus the $100 deposit). We want to help you as much as we can and understand that things happen, therefor if your nanny leaves just after the 6 week guarantee period, please contact us and we will do our best to find a solution.
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Q. HOW DOES TINY DELIGHTS SCREEN NANNIES AND BABYSITTERS?
A. All successful applicants have provided us with proof of address and several forms of ID including passport, medicare card/debit card and drivers licence. All our nannies and babysitters have a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate as well as a Blue Card which is a suitability check carried out by The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian. This organisation promotes and protects the rights of all Queenslanders under the age of 18 by ensuring the suitability (by assessing the criminal history) of all people who work/intend to work in any field associated with children. References are cross checked and we also do bi-annual check ups to ensure all applicants are up to date with their first aid certificates and blue cards. The Commission for young People also keeps in touch with us regarding blue card applications so that we are kept up to date with all activities. The registration form is very in depth and at least 2 previous 'childcare related' employers and 1 character reference will be contacted via phone. Email addresses are not suitable and caring for siblings, nieces and nephews is not considered experience, except for those applying for mothers helper positions. We use behavioural interviewing techniques as we believe this gives us an clear indication of how the applicant communicates and interacts with children and how they would react in a variety of challenging situations that commonly occur when working with children.

For more information about the working with children check and blue cards please call 1800 688 275 (Free call) or visit www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au
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Q. HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOUR NANNIES HAVE?
A. All our nannies and babysitters have a minimum of 2yrs childcare experience with at least two written contactable (child care related) references. Majority of our nannies are also qualified and are professional child care workers. Mothers Helpers are persons wishing to begin a career working with children so generally have less experience therefore a parent or another experienced caregiver should always be present for advice and support. If you have specific requirements as to the type of or how much experience you would like your nanny/babysitter to have please let us know.
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Q. CAN WE HAVE THE SAME BABYSITTER AGAIN?
A. Yes you can request to have the same babysitter or nanny again although there are no guarantees. To avoid disappointment we recommend you book as far in advance as possible. Should you wish to make a permanent babysitting booking you will be able to have the same nanny.
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Q. DO YOU EVER TURN AWAY NANNIES OR BABYSITTERS?
A. Yes, we certainly do. If a carer does not have a valid Blue Card, First Aid Certificate, good references or enough experience we will not register them. If we have any doubts at all about a carer's intentions or work ethic her registration will be rejected or cancelled.
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Q. DO YOU EVER TURN AWAY FAMILIES?
A. Yes we do. There are many families out there who have unrealistic expectations of what having a nanny/babysitter means. We know this by experience and therefore aim to protect our nannies as best as we can. If a family expects too much, is paying too little in return for services or is offering poor accommodation etc, we will advise them of our concerns and reject their registration at that time.
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Q. HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY MY NANNY?
A. Each nanny is different and the amount that you pay her depends on the amount of experience she has, how many children she will be taking care of and what her duties are. Nannies with baby/infant and multiples experience will expect a higher rate of pay as will nannies with a nursing background.

Your nanny should be an important part of your family, as she does take care of your most precious possessions. If your nanny positively contributes to your children's development and family life, then she should be paid accordingly. The nanny industry is one that is poorly regulated and many nannies are treated unfairly in regards to pay, superannuation, holidays and sick pay. If you value your nanny it is more likely she will remain with your family for the long term which not only benefits your children in many ways but also reduces disruptions to your home and work life.

Unfortunately for nannies, there is no official award rate of pay/conditions set by any government in Australia for nannies, that is, childcare workers working in private homes. We recommend that you use the award rate for childcare workers working in child care centers as a guide. Rates vary depending on qualifications and experience and of course location. Tiny Delights has based the hourly rates (see Services) for all our carers on these rates. These rates are for the Townsville/Thuringowa area.

$13.71 to $25.36 per hour casual rates
$11.14 to $20.61 per hour part-time
$423.60 to $783.50 per week for 40 hours

Child care staff are also entitled to 8 full days of sick pay per annum, 4 weeks annual pay + 9% super paid on top of their wage. Please call wage line on 1300 369 945 or visit www.wageline.qld.gov.au for more information.
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Q. DO YOU CHARGE NANNIES A FEE TO REGISTER?
A. No, it is illegal for any agency to charge an applicant a fee for seeking work.
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Q. I AM LOOKING FOR A NANNY POSITION BUT DO NOT HAVE A BLUE CARD, HOW DO I APPLY?
A. Unfortunately we cannot start looking for a nanny position for you until you have received a positive notice (Blue Card) from The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian. We can provide you with an application form for the Blue Card at the interview however as it can take a few weeks to be issued we suggest you call 1800 688 275 (free call) or visit www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au to download a form online.
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Q. DO YOU TAKE MONEY OUT OF THE NANNY/BABYSITTERS HOURLY RATE?
A. No we do not. Carers work hard for their money and it would be unfair to do so, which is why we charge a standard booking fee to the family regardless of how many hours the babysitter/nanny works. The nanny industry is one that is poorly regulated and therefore leads to a great deal of unfair treatment and below average wages. At Tiny Delights we support and promote the rights of nannies.
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Q. DOES TINY DELIGHTS EMPLOY NANNIES AND BABYSITTERS?
A. No, Tiny Delights is a referral agency only. The client/family is the employer. This is because the nanny is providing a service to the family in return for a salary/wage. It is the clients responsibility to discuss the details of the work relationship with the nanny at the time of interview. Please contact us for advice and check with the ATO on 13 24 78 or visit www.ato.gov.au for more information on employees and independant contractors.
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Q. DO I NEED TO TAKE OUT WORK COVER?
A. If you employ staff in your home, you are required to take out Workers Compensation Insurance. Workers compensation insurance is available through Work Cover Queensland. The cost is very minimal and is required by law. Please call Work Cover Queensland on 130 362 128 or visit www.workcover.qld.gov.au
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Q. DO I NEED TO WITHHOLD TAX FROM MY NANNIES WAGE?
A. This depends on the arrangement you have made with your nanny. If your nanny is working as a contractor you will not need to pay her tax as this is her responsibility. If you nanny is working as an employee you do have a legal obligation to take tax out of their her wage. For more information about your tax obligations you can contact the ATO on 13 24 78 or visit www.ato.gov.au or speak to your accountant.
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Q. DO I NEED TO CONTRIBUTE SUPERANNUATION INTO A FUND FOR MY NANNY?
A. If you are paying your nanny $450 or more in a calendar month, you may need to make superannuation contributions into a fund of her choice. If you nanny is working as a contractor it is her responsibility to pay her own super. For more information about superannuation you can contact the ATO on 13 10 20 or www.ato.gov.au or speak to your accountant.
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Q. OUR NANNY WILL BE USING HER CAR TO TRANSPORT THE CHILDREN. DO I HAVE TO PAY HER MILEAGE?
A. Yes, you will be required to compensate the nanny for the use of her car by paying mileage. We recommend .30c per km. The Taxation Office has guidelines on petrol allowances/mileage. Please visit www.ato.gov.au for more information. Alternatively you may make other arrangements with your nanny such as reimbursing her for fuel each week etc. Please negotiate this with your nanny
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Q. ARE WE ENTITLED TO ANY CHILDCARE BENEFITS IF WE EMPLOY A NANNY?
A. Yes. The Child Care Benefit is a payment to help families who use approved or registered child care. Everyone is entitled to the benefit but how much you are paid is determined on your income and other factors. A registered carer could be a nanny, a grandparent or a friend who provides care for your children whilst you are working/studying. These carers must be registered with the Family Assistance Office in order to receive the benefit. Unfortunately at this time, the government child care tax rebate is only available to families who have children in approved care (care in a government approved center), not registered care (home care). If you would like information on the Child Care Benefit or how you can register as an approved carer, please visit the Family Assistance Office website at www.familyassist.gov.au
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Q. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A NANNY?
A. The benefits of hiring a nanny are endless. Having a child care professional in your home means many things for both you and your child. Here are just a few to start:

 · One on one care for your child which will contribute positively towards your child's intellectual and emotional development and give him/her the best possible start to life
 · Less risk of your child obtaining an injury (as compared to child care centers) due to the higher ratio of child to carer
 · The children are more relaxed and comfortable in their own surroundings
 · Flexibility with hours and days which child care centers cannot provide
 · Children's washing, cooking, ironing and cleaning are done so that you can spend less time on chores and more relaxed and fun quality time with your child
 · Less chance of you're your child becoming ill
 · You have a child care professional in your home providing advice and feedback on all child related issues such as behaviour, eating habits, sleeping routines etc
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Q. WHY SHOULD I HIRE A NANNY THROUGH TINY DELIGHTS?
A. Not only do we do interview, screen and do all the necessary checks on nannies we also have 10yrs of first hand experience in the nanny industry and know what to look for in a professional nanny. We offer ongoing support to families and nannies in an unregulated industry, we carry out bi annual checks on nannies for added peace of mind and for your childs protection and we offer a 6wk guarantee with all permanent placements.
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Q. WHY SHOULD I REGISTER AS A NANNY WITH TINY DELIGHTS?
A. Having 10yrs experience in the nanny industry we have experienced first hand and understand that many nannies are often mistreated, poorly paid or left feeling very alone, isolated and under valued. We promote the rights of nannies in a field that is poorly regulated. At Tiny Delights you will have the support and guidance you need. As a professional nanny you are welcome to speak with us anytime (in absolute confidence) with any problems you are having that may be affecting you in your role as a nanny.
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Q. WHAT IS A SHARE NANNY?
A. A Share Nanny is a nanny that works for two or more families at the same time in one home. Nanny sharing significantly reduces child care cost for both families whilst providing your children with the best of both worlds. Not only do children receive almost one on one care and attention but they also have the opportunity to interact and play with other children. Both families will also have a lot more flexibility with working hours and their children are at lesser risk of catching a communicable disease. A Share Nanny will expect to be paid slightly more per hour due to the added responsibility of caring for more children. This usually means also that share nannies are more likely to stay long term due to a higher rate of pay and increased job satisfaction.

Here is an example!

You are hiring a full time nanny for your child for $15 per hour from 9am-5pm five days per week. This means you will be paying your nanny a total of $600 per week. A friend has a child around the same age who is also in need of full time child care. You decide to share your nanny. You agree to pay your nanny $18 per hour in return for providing care for two children for the specified hours. This means that you will pay the nanny $9 per hour and your friend will pay $9 per hour meaning that each of you will be paying a total of $360 per week (or $72 per day) for a 40 hr week of child care. Not a bad deal considering the flexibility and the added benefits to your child!

Please speak with us if you would like to talk more about sharing a nanny.
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Q. CAN I GET A RECEIPT FOR NANNY FEES?
A. If you require a receipt for the booking fees please let us know and we will email you one promptly. If you require a receipt for the money you have paid your nanny, please ask your nanny during the confirmation call prior to the booking. Tiny Delights is a referral service only and does not employ nannies. Nannies act as independent contractors. Tiny Delights therefore cannot issue receipts to families for hours worked on behalf of nannies.
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