The Australian Consortium Of Nannies - TACON

Rewarding Resumes

There are many ways to present your past work history to potential
employers and placement consultants.

As a nanny consultant, I have seen some that were a few written
references - crumpled and coffee stained - passed over my desk, to
a virtual encyclopedia including references, certificates, photo's, dreams
and aspirations, all lovingly mounted and presented. In seven years I had
my agency, I was handed two videos with lengthy resumes, showing
activities with their charges.

Something in between the two extremes is sufficient.

PRESENTATION
A slip page folder works well to present your resume, as you can change
the pages easily as required. Also, references are removed easily for
copying. I have seen a beautiful old style photo album presentation,
which is great if you only go for a job every four to five years, it was
more a memory book than a resume.

When you first sit down to create you 'book' separate the information
into piles of references, certificates and have a pad and pen ready.
Keep one colour, theme or style through the whole book for continuity.
Up date the presentation every two years to keep it fresh.

First comes your title page with your name, this is the place to let your
personality show. Much loved photo's of you with the children, favourite
paintings/ pictures which move you, or just your name in a beautiful
script and border. Any photos you include must present yourself as a
professional, which means you leave out the bikini shot, even if your
charges are in it and you were at work!

Next comes the CV pages. Two pages is sufficient, if you go on for more
than this you can lose readers attention and they miss important information.

Keep in mind parents and consultants will be looking for -

• The type of childcare experience you have had
  (Ages, specialties, location, commitment etc)
• Training related to childcare and if it is current.
• References - temperament, initiative, reliable etc.
• Interests - Partner commitments/personal life, hobbies,
  your lifestyle outside work, etc.
• Health Status
• Samples of activities with families
• Your future plans

CV CONTENT
Start with your personal details -

• name
• age
• date of birth
• contacts
• phone
• mobile
• fax
• email
• address

Then outline briefly your work and study history over the past ten years,
working back from the present. If the positions listed are not child related,
list the skills you used and learnt which make you a good nanny.

If you have only a few years of work under your belt (or none), start with
the most recent jobs, include study and any activity you have done since
you were 15/16 years old where you demonstrated leadership,
responsibility and initiative.

For each job entry list

• the month and year of employment start and finish dates
• Name of Family
• Age of Children at start date
• Fulltime / part time/ casual
• Reason for leaving
• Reference contact name and number

Once you have all your job info included, then file your qualifications
and certificates.

Start with your First Aid, the Drivers History Report, Blue Card (or equivalent),
Child Development Qualifications and other certificates.

Make sure your folder is clean and in good order.

If you require any assistance in putting together a winning CV, please email [email protected]

Nanny Employment Agreement

Nanny Employment Agreements are becoming more and more
popular, as users discover how much they can really assist
in nanny/family relationships.

• They make it easy to discuss the sometimes
  uncomfortable topics.
• Agreements mean all issues are clear and concise
• When it comes time to renegotiate wages and
  conditions, time frames cannot be muddled.
• Duties and expectations cannot be blurred.
• Reinforces a nanny's role and worth.

This sample agreement is based on one I found years ago.
Please note the superannuation and wages details are out of date!

Employment Agreement.

Date:18 September 1997

Statement of Conditions Of Employment

Name of Employer - J & D Bottle

Name of Employee - Annie Shrant

Date of Commencement of Employment - 21 September 1997

Childcare Rebate Scheme Provider No - 29603

Previous service (if any) counting towards continuous
employment - 20 January 1997 to present.

Job Title - Live in Nanny

Duties - Sole Charge Care of Alex and Daniel. Driving to activities,
creating activities, prepare all meals, bathing. Informing parents on
a daily basis of the day's routine in the Nanny Diary. House Duties
include washing and ironing for the children,
daily tidy including vacuum.

Wages - Gross Weekly $720 Net Weekly $536.25.
The employer will provide weekly payslips. Wages will be deposited
into the employee's bank account every Thursday. The employee
will provide monthly Child Care Rebate receipts. The employer will
pay superannuation at 6% of gross wage to fund of employee's
choosing. The wage will be reviewed on 18 February 1998.

Hours of Work. In this occupation definite hours are difficult
to define. However, the employee's basic hours are 8am - 5.30 pm
Monday to Friday. These hours may only be changed by mutual
agreement and the employee will be compensated for the extra
time workerd at a rate of $12 hour. ($3 per 15 minutes)
Both parties agree to notify each other by phone if they are delayed.

Holidays - The employee will be allowed four weeks annual leave
paid in each year. Two weeks will be taken during the family's
holiday and two weeks of the employee's choosing. The employee
agrees to give one month's notice of their preferred holiday period.

In the first or final year of service the employee will be entitled
to holidays on a prorata basis. (One week for every three months
worked)The employee is also entitled to public holidays off, with pay.

Sick Leave - The employee will be paid for eight sick days
per year, at the rate of 1 day per six weeks worked. Additional
sick pay may be granted at the discretion of the employer
if the illness is child related. The employee will be paid pro rata
for sick leave not taken at the end of the year.

Insurance - The employer will hold a Public Liability policy in
relation to the employee. The employee shall hold a Nanny
Insurance Policy in relation to this position.

Confidentiality - It is a condition of employment that now
and at all times in the future, that (save as may be lawfully
required) the employee shall keep the affairs and concerns
of the household and it's transactions and business confidential.
The employer also agrees to keep all details relating to the
employed nanny confidential (save as may be lawfully required).

Termination - In the first weeks of employment, one weeks
notice is required by either party. After four weeks of continuous
service, either the employee or employer may terminate this
contract by giving four weeks notice. If the employer wishes
to terminate the contract immediately, the employee is entitled
to two weeks pay and additional sick leave owing. Should the
employee be found to have injured a child or put them at risk
and is charged by the authorities, the employee will be instantly
dismissed without advance pay - payment will be restricted to
sick leave and holiday pay owed to the point of dismissal.

I have read and agree to abide by the guidelines set out
in this agreement and will not vary the employee's duties
or conditions without first discussing them with the employee.
Employers Signatures...............................       ..........................................

I have read and agree to abide by the guideleines as stated
in this agreement and will not alter my duties without first
discussing them with the employer.
Employee's Signature ........................................

Additional topics to include are

• Phone use
• Car use
• Visitors
• Playgroups
• Restrictions on outings
• Development Assessments
• Weekend and evening expectations if livein
• Additional babysitting rates
• First Aid Status
• Further training expected

There are many other agreements on the internet,
we will have a few more here for you in the coming months.

I have always found to keep it simple, allows for flexibility.

Any queries, please email me at [email protected]

Finding a Nanny Position

There are an amazing range of options available to
nannies now when they are seeking a new position.
Many revolve around the internet,
like TACON's new Agency Job Board !

The range of options include -

Finding a position on your own
* word of mouth / referral from a friend or employer
* in the newspaper
* local noticeboard
* Internet classified

With assistance
* a referral agency
* a placement agency

Whichever option you choose, always aware of your s
afety and your rights.

Before you make contact with clients or agencies,
ensure you have a clear picture of your expectations
and a understanding of your worth in the nanny sector.
e.g. What hours are you prepared to work, are there
any limitations on this due to study, other work or
family commitments?
What wage do you require to live comfortably and
meet your responsibilities?
What skills, serivces and experieince can you offer
families?
Regarding duties, what areas are your prepared to
be flexible on and what cannot be compromised?
What locations are you prepared to travel to?
What is your expectation of commitment, how long
are you prepared to commit to a family?

Word Of Mouth
Often babysitting jobs can lead to permanent
arrangements, either with the family you are caring
for or someone they know. This is one good reason
for always behaving professionally.
Sometimes a nanny friend may let you know of a job
vacancy.
However you hear about a position, always go through
a thorough process before taking on a position.
Be consistent - ask for a job outline, employment
agreement and make sure you have superannuation
paid or included in your rate.

Direct Parent Ads
Answering a direct parent ad can be a wonderful
experience, you never can be sure who is going to
answer the phone. I have met many high profile
clients this way, they were great positions to work
in and I was treated very well.
On the other hand, you may end up with the
family from hell.

To disern the difference of the two answer the parents
first batch of questions politely, most will have a list.
when they have finished, ask yours. If they avoid
answering directly, be a little wary of them. When
parents are not up front about hours and wages at
this stage, their behaviour may lead to problems later.
Have a list of your own questions to ask - hours, wage,
permanency, holidays, superannuation, sick leave,
children ages, established routines, favourite places
to go, children's interests, what is the parents
expectation for the length of employment, preferred
child management techniques, food expectations
and housework.

If the hours do not suit you or the wages are not
enough to meet your needs, explain that you do not
fit their profile and thank them for their time.
It's much better to wait for a position which suits you.

To meet parents, look out for local noticeboards
in the community - libraries, baby clinics, toy libraries
and community boards.
Paper advertising is still common. Keep an eye out in
the Situations Vacant and Positions Vacant classifieds,
with Saturday being the most popular.
I have been amazed at how many new nanny
classified services there are on the net.
The two originals - Nannies 'N' Nippers and Find A
Babysitter are still two of the best.
There is a great range of information available from
them and have been established for sometime.
You will find a list of most of these new services in
TACON's Links. (Employment - Finding Positions)


Internet classifieds will put you in direct contact with
parents. Make sure you are prepared, have your list of
questions to ask parents when they have finished
asking you theirs. Many a time a nanny will arrive
at an interview knowing little about the family, then
discover the position wasn't what they had expected.
Save yourself and the family some time and ask your
basic questions on the phone.

AGENCIES
The next option is using an agency.
There are two types of agencies - referral or placement.

TACON is launching a fantastic new service to make
finding jobs through agencies much easier -
just check our board for details.
Jobs will be updated twice daily - 2pm and 8pm.
TACON's AGENCY JOB BOARD

Referral Agencies do just that - refer you onto clients
and if the placement is filled, they get paid. That's
usually the end of your contact.
Placement Agencies will refer you to positions, make
sure you settle in and provide back up support and
resources, sometimes throughout your position.
When you contact an agency, they will often want
you to come in for an interview, prior to telling you
what positions they have available.
Be prepared for your first contact.
If you find talking on the phone unnerving,
write out a list of your experience, age groups,
routines, qualifications, expectations for the next job.

Agencies can be a great source, cutting down the
number of families you need to contact, hopefully
they will have your best interest at heart.
Look for an agency - which returns your phone calls,
treats you with respect and is honest eith you
(if they haven't referred you for a position in two
weeks, it's not likely that they will).

Many agencies have a website and often have an
application form to fill in.
Please print off a copy and fill it in by hand first or
type out your answers in a word document.
This way you can keep the information on file,
making it easier to apply through a number of agenices
without having to write out many answers.
Just Copy and Paste.
Thoroughy revise your answers before sending -
this is your first impression and it's extremely important
that you get it right the first time.
Check all spelling and grammar before sending.
Follow up with another email the following afternoon
to ensure they have received your application, request
that they respond to this email. If they do not,
make a call if your preference is to work with this agency.
A lack of response can simply mean your email did not
make it through cyberspace. Be clear as to when you
would like to begin work.

When you meet parents or consultants, make sure
you have copies of your CV, References, with current
contact details, copies of your First Aid Certificate,
Qualifications, Drivers Licence, Drivers History Report
from the RTA and Working With Children Check
Declaration, signed and dated.

Good Luck in your job hunting. . . .

Secrets of Sydney

I Love the City. Whenever we return to the big smoke,
I think I get more excited than my kids when I think
about all the terrific experiences I have shared with
nanny families over the years.

So I've listed a few of them here. If there is anything
new I have missed, share your secrets with a
comment at the end of the article.

The Australian Museum
Not only are the bones, bird calls and Mummies
fascinating, do not miss out on Kids Island. It has
been there for years now and is always a favourite.
They have done an amazing job of combining
museum artifacts with fun.
I especially love the dress ups and the boat, Sarah
and her team have done a terrific job of creating a
kids oasis in the middle of the city.
Keep an eye out for the school holiday programs,
you could become archaeologists and hunt out
mummies, dinosaurs or discover more about our
indigenous culture.

Sydney Aquarium
A wonderland as soon as you enter.
Say hello to the big fish, crocodiles and spot a
seahorse. Then run down the ramp (watch out for
granny) and enter the world of sharks and deep ocean.
The new Barrier Reef exhibit is nothing short of
sensational.
We have our snacks with the sharks,
and lunch with the lobsters.
The big viewing window at the end is wonderful -
a great place to stop to recharge before taking
on the next adventure.

Darling Harbour Playground
This extensive playground is aging, but is still one
of the best oasis's in the city for kids to be kids.

Powerhouse Museum
There is a members area with a children's play area
and kitchen available. If this is a regular destination,
it's worth joining up for the perks and discounts.
The last time I went they had the 'Lord of the Rings'
Exhibition, I can't believe how many times the kids
wanted to go back. The museum always has a
wonderful array of activities for kids, so ask at the
front desk what is on for your age group and make
sure you don't miss it. The outside eating area is the
perfect place to run off a bit of steam before heading
back inside to find more treasures.

The Maritime Museum
I always seem to miss this one. The special programs
in the holidays look fantastic and the chance to
seek out the nooks and crannies in maritime history
is one experience not to be missed.

Around the corner is the Rocks.
The rocks is a fun place for children.
The Candle Factory, Bead Shop, the cobble stones,
sculptures and watching the ferries go by.
If you have a weekend duty, head down for the markets,
visit the Puppet Cottage, Toy Museum and
keep an eye out for the school holiday programs.
We went to a Bob the Builder workshop where
the kids built a house!
Stay in contact with the information centre for details
- book early so you don't miss out.

Botanical Gardens
A magical place to picnic in the middle of the city.
Wander through the gardens and discover some amazing
plants and visit with the bats.
School holidays have lots of treats in store.

Governor Phillip and Captain Cook Aquatic Centre
You will find a hidden treasure waiting under
Macquarie Street. In the shadow of St Mary's
Cathedral is the entrance to the swimming pool.
They have a terrific pool for kids and it's a great place
to wait for parents who want a lift home!

Hyde Park Barracks
If you are working your way up from the gardens,
don't forget to stop and make a wish rubbing the
boars nose at the eye hospital.
Take a step back in history and enter the Hyde Park
Barracks. There are things for littlies here to.
Puppet shows and workshops in the holidays will
fascinate everyone. The staff here are very child friendly.

Sydney Harbour National Park
If you have three year olds and up - this place is a treat,
though there are some safety factors that need to
be considered.
TAKE A TORCH and some plastic bags!
The entrance is just passed the zoo on the left at
Bradley's Head. Drive through the park until you see
the cannons on the left. Take a picnic and use this
as your base for an afternoon.
Around the cannons are trench's, which once checked
for dangers (as you should in all public areas) is a
great source of fun for the kids.
There is one section that is dark and enclosed -
you need to check this thoroughly for old bottles
and syringes. I visited this park for over a year on a
weekly basis and never found anything,
but you must be vigilant.
There is a track which leads down to the harbour
and rock pools, be aware of tidal times and which way
the water is going, keep the kids close at hand and
bring a change of clothes in case anyone gets wet.
WEAR SHOES ON THE ROCK POOLS TO PREVENT INJURY.

Taronga Zoo
Enough said - it's the zoo.
The zoo has become extremely child friendly and
interactive. Bring the camera and take some shots
for pressies. Let the older children lead the way and
follow their itinerary. You could even make an event
out of it and let them plan early where they want to
go and what they'll see.
If you work close by, it's worth getting a zoo pass
for shorter regular visits.

Balmoral Beach.
The beach is a little out of the way, but you'll love
it when you arrive. Even in peak season it doesn't
get too crowded, but pack a lunch as the queues
can be notorious.
The island is a wonderful place for imaginary play,
rock pools and the enclosed beach area with showers
is a place you'll return to many times.
You'll discover why it has become a nanny haven.

Fort Denison
Fort Denison is a great attraction for the kids,
especially the children's programs in the holiday
(please book early). Go back in time and be given
sentences - twenty years for vagrancy, ten for stealing
bread and twenty five for being cheeky!
Dress up as convicts and guards and run the labyrinth
of the fort and generally have a wonderful time.

The list goes on -
what's your favourite place in Sydney or
the city where you work? Share YOUR secret spot
and you may see us there too!

Mary Poppins Stays Over

Here is a story for those of you who enjoy Poppins humour.

It came from John Mark Ministries Website ~

Mary Poppins was travelling home, but due to worsening weather, she decided to stop at a hotel for the night. She approached the receptionist and asked for a room for the night.

"Certainly madam," he replied courteously.

"Is the restaurant still open?" inquired Mary.

"Sorry, no" came the reply, "but room service is available all night. Would you care to select something from this menu?"

Mary smiled and took the menu and perused it, "Hmm, I would like cauliflower cheese please," said Mary.

"Certainly madam" he replied.

"And can I have breakfast in bed?" asked Mary politely.

The receptionist nodded and smiled.

"In that case, I would love a couple of poached eggs, please," Mary mused.

After confirming the order, Mary signed in and went up to her room for the night.

The night passed uneventfully and the next morning Mary came down early to check out.The same receptionist was still on the desk.

"Morning madam ... sleep well?"

"Yes thank you,"Mary replied.

"Food to your liking?"

"Well, I have to say the caulilower cheese was exceptional, I don't think I have had better. Shame about the eggs though, they really weren't that nice at all," replied Mary truthfully.

"Oh, well, perhaps you could contribute these thoughts to our Guest Comments Book. We are always looking to improve our service and would value your opinion," said the receptionist.

"OK, I will .. thanks!" replied mary . . . who checked out, then scribbled a comment into the book. Waving, she left to continue her journey. Curious, the receptionist picked up the book to see the comment Mary had written.

"Supercauliflowercheesbuteggswerequiteatrocious!"

Corny, but I had to share that one, if you have any Mary Poppins humour, or general nanny jokes, send them in and I'll add a joke post.

Looking After Yourself

My first nanny job was great, I enjoyed many aspects of it,
but then there were a few that could have brought me undone.

I not only had care of the two young children, my duties
included housekeeping and shopping. Basically, if I didn't do it,
it didn't get done. Cleaning out the pantry and oven to cleaning
the cobwebs in the conservatory. In addition to helping with
Ballet concerts, chasing relatives for visits and all the other
small details that slowly wore me down.

Just as I was starting to feel like a robot - I met another nanny.

She cared for two children of a similar age to mine and they
were friends through preschool. She asked me over for a
play-day - it was my salvation.

I learnt alot from Amanda, she was a professional nanny.

We started our own nanny playgroup by placing ads on the
local noticeboards and in Sydney's Child. It was very informal.
Our playgroup ran on a weekday morning and we would arrange
the location of the next playgroup as we were packing up.
We would meet at each others houses, parks, on the odd occasion
we would arrange to go somewhere special - zoo, museums etc.

On average we had up to ten nannies, the participants changed
as nannies would leave jobs, children would change routines and
move location. Our mornings began with a quick download about
what was bugging us that week, within ten minutes, it was out of
our system and we got down to the practicalities of playgroup.
A few would stay behind to help nut out any particular problems.
The support and guidance we received from the experienced
nannies was wonderful.

We would take turns arranging a craft activity, someone would
read a story, baking would be going on or sometimes we cranked
up the stereo and danced!

As their positions were very demanding, some nannies would
need to just crash on the lounge for an hour. We had one nanny
who we would help out of her car - she had gigantic two-year-old triplets,
whose parents worked in the overseas airline industry.
She would often go days without a break caring for the boys.
Playgroup was her only support.

We'd discuss problems while the children played, the more
experienced nannies would offer some practical strategies and
we'd hear the results the following week. Usually positive.

I loved playgroup and found it the glue which kept me together
for 2 1/2 years in a very demanding position. Later I found myself
in another position where Mum didn't want me to have anything to
do with other nannies or use a car. I found the position very limiting,
her philosophy was having a negative effect on her child.
I negotiated a playgroup morning at the local library, but the child
screamed when she saw the other children and continued to scream
(and I mean scream in terror) if she was with any other children.
It took five weeks, but she then settled. In the meantime - it was horrible.

We started by sitting back in the crowd and if she showed
signs of whimpering, we'd walk around the library,
I don't know what other people thought.
Three months later she would ask every morning - we go goop?!
My only reprieve through this period was a walk around the
neighbourhood, talking to the neighbours cats! Other than that,
we were on our own.

I established a strict routine and would take my favourite CD's along.
Any shows with other children playing in them became our regular
viewing, I think ultimately - this child had not spent any time with
other kids. We'd dance when I'd get fidgety, bake up a storm,
read stories - I found even imaginative play was confronting and
new for her! I later met the previous nanny who said because she
couldn't go anywhere, she watched three hours of soap operas
during the day for adult company.

Life as a nanny can be very quiet, unless you take steps to create
your own support network. It is up to you, if you choose to work
as a professional nanny. Parents will not and cannot hold your
hand through the week. They have employed you to care for their
children and their homes. Find like minded nannies who have
similar aged children, routines and expectation.

You also need to create your own routines and habits, which will
see you through the hard times of nannying. Ironing when your
favourite show/movie is on (and the kids asleep); freeing up time
just before you pick up older children from preschool is imperative
to ensure you are recharged and ready for the next cycle.

Meditation, a session of gentle stretching, yoga or pilates, even
get out the eye toy and use the exercise game. A nice meal, a
brisk walk with bubs, you know your own body and mind - take
care of them. Do something for yourself in the middle of the day
for ten to twenty minutes, or just before you know you're about
to hit your low point.

Depression and isolation has been a problem expressed by some
nannies. These are serious issues which need to be addressed.
If you are not sure what you can do, please contact Marina for
some help.

Be wary of nannies who spend lots of time on the phone, don't be
sucked into their habits. Nanny calls should be kept brief -
to arrange visits or a quick exchange of information.
Longer 'downloading' chats should be kept for after hours, or visits
when children are occupied.

Nannies in complete isolation,whether by the parents choice,
circumstance or location now at least have lots of support through
many Internet sites based here and overseas.

If you are unable to make contact with other nannies through
playgroups or the children's activities - switch on the computer.

There are service in QLD, SA, VIC and NSW. You can find the
contact details on the TACON website under Nanny Directory.
www.tacon.com.au

There are message boards based here and overseas.
The MSN forums have The Nanny Village (managed by TACON)
and The Nanny Guild.

Other international message boards include Best Bear (UK);
nannyjob.co.uk ; AskNanny.com (US); Ilovemynanny.org (US) ;
NannyNetwork.com (US) - all which will give you access to a
large range of resources and different perspectives.

Keep in mind there are over 20,000 nannies working in NSW,
so there are a few around to make contact with. 

Look after yourself, so you are in peak condition to look
after the kids in your care.

Nanny Playgroups

Working as a nanny can be isolating, to get through 50 hours a
week of BUT WHY ? MUM SAID .....; I DON"T WANT TO;
YOU'RE NOT MY MOTHER; I DON"T FEEL WELL; etc etc.

Sometimes you need to be with others who are going through
the same thing. Learn some new tricks of the trade from
experienced nannies - or pass some on to the younger
generation and learn theirs!

Just when you feel a fresh approach is needed -
who can you turn to, to talk it out? Another nanny.

Who can be discreet, practical and understanding?
Another nanny.

Where can you find them?
At a playgroup. If you can't find one - start one.

It's not hard to start a playgroup.
Firstly talk to your employers about your plans and why you
would like to do this. Ensure you have a mobile or use an
answering machine at your home to use as a contact for the
nannies . DO NOT USE THE FAMILY'S PHONE NO.

Choose a local playground and a way the nannies can spot
you in a crowd. (Balloons, coloured T-Shirts on the kids,
bright table cloth etc).

Choose a day and time which suits you (usually 10am - 12pm).
Check this day and time with the children's parents to ensure they
haven't organised anything else for the children.
Give at least two weeks notice, four is better.

Place signs at the local library, community notice board (post office,
community center, shop windows etc) - anywhere you think a nanny may go.

To help ensure you don't have every man and his dog at the playgroup -
just state 
NANNY PLAYGROUPS ~ TUESDAY MORNINGS ~ PHONE 0428 888 888

You could also consider putting an ad in the 'Sydney's / Melbourne's
etc Child' Classifieds.

When nannies contact you, give them the date, time, location and
idea of how to find you once they are there; also an alternative
meeting place in case it rains.(e.g. library)

Suggest they bring morning tea and drinks for the children.

Sometimes it can be beneficial to have a chat first to ensure it is a nanny
you are speaking to. Talk about caring for kids, what you do, ask them
how they spend their time, why do they want to go to a playgroup etc.
If anyone sounds suspicious, take their number and call back later and
let them know the playgroup is not going ahead. If you meet in a park
and find out they are legitimate, you can always claim to have lost
their number. I do not usually condone lying, but if it means the children
are protected, it's worth it.

Be prepared on the day to approach any lost looking nannies,
just waltz up to them and ask - 'Are you here for the nanny playgroup?"
you will soon find out!

Some safe guards you must keep in mind ~

• Do not hand out the family's phone no.
• Do not invite anyone back to the family home for at least
  three to four meetings and only if you are comfortable with them.
• If it rains on your designated day, meet in a public place -
  not the family's home.
• NEVER leave your charges with nannies who are not
  already in the 'family friendship circle' - those who already
  come to the family home and who you have a relative level
  of trust with - and most importantly - who the parents approve of.
• Whatever information shared at a nanny playgroup must be
  treated with the same confidentiality and respect you would
  show to your the family you work for. Nannying can produce
  stressful situations, sometimes details are unintentionally shared,
  a good nanny does not gossip or 'tell tales' out of the playgroup.
• Be aware it is an offence to smoke within the confines of a playground,
  ask smoking nannies to move away from the group, or put it out.
  Yes this may ostracise some nannies - if they are offended,
  they are probably better off out of the group anyway.
  Always put the kids first.

FIND THE PLAYGROUP WHICH SUITS YOU AND THE KIDS ~

Some nannies/kids just don't suit a particular group.

I have been to a few playgroups over the years,
where I have left early, never to return!

I remember one playgroup, where a nanny friend and I decided to try -
but the group of nannies were very clique, didn't do anything with the kids,
smoked around the kids and fed them up on sugar for morning tea.
I was not comfortable about having the two year old I was
responsible for in that environment.

The following week I went to a group where the nannies organised
craft activities, sang songs, read stories - a group where they met
for the benefit of the children - not primarily for the nannies.

The children in your care will either blossom at playgroup -
or they'll hate it!
If you have older children (4-6 years) present at the groups,
make sure you have something interesting for them to do.
Cater to their individual needs and interests. (reptile, fairies etc)

Playgroups can be a wonderful base to develop a child's social
skills and an opportunity to be involved in group events.
Traditionally, the nannies in the group take turns in providing
an activity, craft, stories and nannies morning tea.

The children's morning tea should be organised by their individual
nanny, unless all food requirements are catered to,
avoiding side effects from allergies, etc.

Take a chance and visit a group - or organise one yourself.
If you are organising a playgroup for your area, please let
TACON know if you would like some extra promotion.

Please don't feel let down if you do not have a quick response,
nannies sometimes take time to approach someone or go to a new location.

So, get yourself to a nanny playgroup and have some fun!

Nanny Diary ~ Managing Day to Day

The Nanny Diary

The Nanny Diary is one of the most important tools in a nanny - employer
relationship. As day to day routines can become hectic, a Diary allows
parents and nannies to keep in touch with each other. A major bonus of
using a diary is you can prevent small issues snowballing into major concerns. 

The Diary can take many forms, the main purpose is to provide
continuity of care for the children. Whether it be information
exchanged between parents and the nanny or the fulltime carer
with the weekend support. Communication is imperative if a
child's routine is to have stability.

A Diary will answer a parent's questions at 3am, if a child is sick or
needs to be taken to a hospital - record of their meals and moods
will be easily accessible.

A Diary is a nanny's programming book, by keeping a record of a
child's activities, it enables them to ensure a balanced routine.

The Diary also keeps everyone abreast of the children's future plans,
allowing for good management of hectic days.

Some forms I have experienced are - an exercise book, computer
program, A4 Diary, a whiteboard and A4 sheets with a graph table to
complete which was backed up by a small book filled with emergency
numbers and important information.

It is best to keep basic info on a card, which nannies can keep in their
wallets/car for when they are away from the home, or need to leave quickly.
(Parents contacts, Medicare, etc)

The following suggestions are an excerpt from
'A Note to Parents, from The Barefoot Nanny'

Diary Examples

Again these are just suggestions and you will probably come up
with a few of your own entries to include.

There are some fabulous prepared organisers available here in Australia
(see resource at the end). For those not wishing to create their own,
there is a practical nanny specific log already printed, which you can
access via the Internet from Nanny Essentials in the US.
Both will need some adjustments for an Australian nanny perspective.

DAILY NOTES

Day and Date

Parent Messages / Reminders

Activities and outline of days events

Food offered and eaten (record if it is a first time)

Sleeps - time, length and support items

Medication - name of child, prescription or non prescription, dose, time

Behaviour - anything unusual or to keep an eye on (pulling at ears,
temperature, scares, temperament, injuries etc)

Special things / Milestones

Nappies / Toileting Record (times, type and if creams required)

Expenses

Car Log (mileage / locations)

Nanny message for parents

Plans for next few days, may include permission slips for excursions etc

FAMILY INFORMATION

Family Name
Home Address
Nearest Cross Street
Home Phone

Medicare Number and individual numbers for names
Private Health Insurance Company, Member No & contact phone number

Car Insurance Company and contact phone
Car Make and Registration Plate

Home Insurance Company and contact phone

Security Alarm Company and contact phone
(I do not recommend that you keep the alarm code in the diary)

CHILDREN'S INFORMATION

Child's Name

Date of Birth
Sex
Eye Colour
Hair Colour
Approx weight and date (write in pencil)
Allergies / Medical Conditions
Any relevant info a nanny needs to know (child has two mums, etc)

Repeat for Every Child

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Emergency - Police, Ambulance and Fire - 000

Local Police Station (Phone and Address)
Poisons Info Line
Nearest Hospital admission number if the child has attended before
After hours Children's Hospital Helpline (e.g.Kidsnet -
The New Children's Hospital at Westmead)
Electrician
Plumber
Gardener

Adults to contact if Mum and Dad can't be reached -

Close relative whom the children know (name, location and phone number)

Family Friend (name location nd phone numbers)

Family Doctor ~ address, parking phone and hours

Early Childhood Clinic ~ address, parking, phone and hours

Dentist ~ address, parking, phone and hours

CONTACT DETAILS

Mother

Name (include all names used)
Position title
Employment Location (business name and address)
Secretary / PA / Colleague who can find you in an emergency
Work Phone
Pager Number
Mobile Number
Direct Line / Emergency Number

Father

Name (include all names used)
Position title
Employment Location (business name and address)
Secretary / PA / Colleague who can find you in an emergency
Work Phone
Pager Number
Mobile Number
Direct Line / Emergency Number

CHILDREN'S CONTACTS

Preschool / Day Care ~
List name, Carer's name, Phone, Address, Parking, Days and Times,
any items which go with the child (e.g.lunch, library, bag, sheets, teddy etc)

Planned Regular Activities ~
Swimming, Kindergyms, Music Classes, Playgroup etc.
List Name and Contact person, phone, address, parking, session name and times.

Play Friends ~
Mother / nanny's names, children's names, phone, address etc

Regular Outing Spots ~
Favourite Playgrounds, play-center, Museums, Library, swimming pools etc.
List name, phone, address, times, costs, parking.

ENVELOPE ATTACHED
It is best to keep permission slips within the Diary, for outings and medication.

Contact TACON if you require information about permission slips. 

RESOURCES

www.busymothers.com.au
A comprehensive file organiser for the Australian Family

www.sydneyschild.com.au
A magnetic basic organiser, see things at a glance

www.cafepress/nannyessentials
An American log book for nannies.
You will find it under 'Tools and Resources' in the menu