Q. What checks do you make of the carers?

A. We require all carers to undertake a national police check, hold a valid first aid certificate, have some experience working with children, and provide us with 2 contactable referees. This allows us to gain a fuller understanding of a carer's character and past experience. Each applicant is screened in a three stage process including a face to face interview. On a personal level, our carers must be warm, fun and have a genuine desire to work with children. We look at each babysitter and nanny as a potential carer for our own children and would never recommend someone we wouldn’t hire ourselves.

 

Q. Are all babysitters police checked?
A. We require all babysitters to have a current national police check (or equivalent Working With Children Card), or be willing to provide one before we will register them with Babysitters R Us. All carers must have a clear criminal history.

 

Q. What happens once I have made a babysitter booking?

A. Once we have received your booking we will immediately contact your babysitter of choice or the sitters we may have recommended to you, and check their availability for the date you have requested. If your preferred sitter is available, we will contact you by email or phone to confirm your booking. If your preferred babysitters are not available, we will contact you with an alternative sitter suggestion (who is available for your chosen booking time) and await your response before we confirm the booking with you, or the sitter. Once the booking is confirmed the Booking Fee of $18 will be charged to your nominated credit card.

 

Q. Why is there a minimum booking of 3 hours for babysitting?
A. We have to ensure that babysitters are willing to give up their evening to look after your children. The combination of the hourly rate and the minimum booking of 3 hours provides the balance required to ensure our sitters are prepared to give up their time and travel to attend your bookings.

 

Q. Is there a maximum number of children per babysitting?
A. There are no firm limits as to how many children a sitter will care for. Under usual circumstances if there are more than 3 children under three years old or more than 6 children in total a second babysitter may be required to ensure your children receive the best care. However, this can be negotiated on a case by case basis between Babysitters R Us, yourself and the sitter.

 

Q. Can I meet the babysitter beforehand?
A. We suggest that on your first sitting you arrange for the babysitter to arrive 15 minutes before you leave. You can then introduce them to your family and be in a position to see how well they relate to your children. Our sitters have chosen to work with children because they enjoy it - you'll find they are quick to put you and your family at ease.

It is usually not practical to meet a sitter before you need them to baby sit. If you are very nervous about leaving your child for the first time, why not make your first evening out somewhere local, and arrive home early.

 

Q. Can I have the same babysitter each time I book?
A. Where ever possible your bookings will always be offered first to babysitters you have met before.  One of the strengths of our service is that we will always find you an experienced and reliable babysitter. Many of our babysitters have commitments to their own families and it may not always be possible to supply the same babysitter on every occasion. You can let us know your favorites via the contact us page on this website, or next time you make a booking.

 

Q. How much notice do you need if I want to book a babysitter?
A. We'll always try to meet those spontaneous last minute needs - even if we're given as little as four hours notice. However, to ensure the availability of a suitable sitter it is best to book at least 3 days prior to your need and we're quite happy to take your bookings two or three months ahead. The more notice you give us the better your chance of booking your preferred babysitter before someone else does.

 

Q. What time does the babysitting service start and do sitters stay after midnight?
A. Most of our babysitters have commitments during business hours and are usually available to babysit for you from 6pm. However, we do have sitters who are available for day bookings as well. Most babysitters are prepared to sit until whatever time they are needed.

 

Q. What is a Family Information Checklist?

A. The Family Information Checklist is a form which we email parents to record your contact details, children’s names and ages and any other information you may wish a babysitter to be aware of while they are in your home. You are required to fill in the checklist and leave it with the sitter. The sitter must read and refer to the checklist to ensure all relevant requests you have made are fulfilled. To ensure that this form is correctly filled in, we suggest you take the time to complete the details before the babysitter arrives.

 

Q. Does it cost anything to register with Babysitters R Us for the Babysitting service?
A. No, registration is free of charge. Fees are only payable once you have requested a booking and then we have arranged a babysitter for you.

 

Q. What should we expect to pay our babysitter?
A. Our babysitter’s rates are $15.60 per hour for a maximum of 4 children, with a minimum of three hours per booking. Each additional child (after the 4th child) is charged at a rate of $1 per hour, per child. Rates are $22 per hour after midnight, regardless of child numbers. Public holidays, Christmas Eve and Easter are $26 per hour for a maximum of 4 children. Each additional child (after the 4th child) is charged at a rate of $2 per hour, per child. and $31 per hour after midnight, regardless of child numbers.

 

Q. What is the Child Care Benefit (CCB)?

A. The Child Care Benefit (CCB) helps families with the cost of child care for long day care, family day care, occasional care, outside school hours care, vacation care and registered care. The Registered Care payment is paid by direct credit when you show the Family Assistance Office your receipts. This payment is not subject to an income test or an assets test. Visit the Factors affecting payment and eligibility page of the Family Assistance Office website for more information on the CCB or contact your closest Centrelink Family Assistance Office for an Assessment. 

 

Q. Am I eligible for the Child Care Rebate (CCB)?

A. If your nanny is a registered carer with the Family Assistance Office you are eligible for CCB.

Q. What if I have an indoor pet?

A. When a babysitter is arranged for a parent’s night out most of us forget to consider how our indoor pets will relate and behave with a stranger around. It is important that parents leave sitters detailed information regarding any indoor pets so that they are prepared for situations that may arise. When parents leave the home the dynamics change.  This can create confusion for some pets and unlike children pets don’t always understand what is happening. It is also wise for parents to consider that a babysitter doesn’t know the dos and don’ts for the family pet so it is best to cover all bases. If you specify in your booking that you have an indoor pet we will include a Pet Care sheet with the Family Information Checklist and suggest you fill it in prior to the session.

 

Q. What if I need the Babysitter to use their own car during a placement?

A. If you require a babysitter to use their own personal car during your babysitting placement, then you must pay the sitter a fuel cost. This will be at a charge of $0.62 per km. Babysitters will record odometer readings prior to leaving your babysitting venue and upon returning to the venue as this provides you with an accurate total of the kilometers they have traveled and what you are required to pay the sitter for.

 

Q:What is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?

A.  A babysitter is classified as someone who cares for your children after work hours (from 6 pm); however, many of our babysitters are also available during the day time. The babysitter is there solely for the care of your children and is not expected to undertake any extra duties. The babysitter should prepare your children’s evening meal and tidy up after them, bath and prepare them for bed. A nanny is someone who cares for your child within the family home. Nannies may live in or out, depending on the families’ requirements. A nanny generally takes on all tasks involved in the care of your child. These tasks include the sole care of the child and any domestic duties involved in their health and well being.

 

Q:Which areas do you cover?
A.  In Tasmania, we cover the Launceston & Hobart regions. In Victoria, we cover Bendigo and Greater Melbourne. If you are unsure if we service your region, please contact us.