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| Australian Nanny Association
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by
Annemarie Sansom and Tracey McDermott
Australian Nanny Association Vice President and Treasurer respectively
What an exciting time it is in the Australian childcare sector at the moment with the preliminary recommendations of the productivity commission's inquiry into childcare about to be released. We've had a sneak peek, and that hints of a recommendation to fund nannies for families with childcare needs outside of those already catered for in the existing funded system. This bit of news wasn't welcomed by all, but ANA (Australian Nanny Association) think that the childcare sector in Australia has a very exciting opportunity right now to help shape a system that is equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of Australian families.
ANA sees the value in all forms of childcare and early childhood education, and appreciates that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the childcare needs of families. We also think that an emphasis on quality and child safety is important. If we, as a whole sector, can work together we can influence the creation of something truly great for our children and achieve our ultimate aim: meeting the diverse childcare needs of Australian families.
We understand with vision and change comes fear of the unknown. This is where we want to clarify a few key points.
Quality what does that mean in terms of a Nanny?
Quality means that a professional nanny has the following:
- Has undertaken the Working with children check or state based relevant check
- National Police check
- Reference checked
- Holds a current First Aid and CPR
- Holds a Child care qualification or is working towards.
Any form of funded Nanny care would come with a governing body that oversees, approves and registers nannies. The Department or body that oversees Nannies would be required to support and check on nannies regularly. Nannies would be required to adhere to similar paperwork and educational and safety guidelines to Family day care.
Quality care is also about the child and being child focused. Education plays an important role and so does environment. Children who have care needs at night due to their parents work requirements for example, would have less disruption and less interruption to their routine by being able to remain in their own home and bed.
Safety in the home is important and we would expect that a parent is confidently able to manage safety issues in their own homes. Safety checks would also be put in place by nannies on a daily basis and the system would more than likely be similar to Family day care home safety checks.
Why should Nannies be funded?
Even though we do have a great child care system it does not meet everyone’s needs. There are families who have to work at night or on weekends or have hours that are outside standard centre based care hours. There are also families with very young children, multiples or special needs who a large group setting outside of the home may not be suitable. Personnel such as emergency workers, Nurses, Police, Retail staff, parents with disability or chronic illness are all under a lot of pressure to be able to work and care for their child but unable to find care to meet their specific hours and needs.
The new child care system means we have to look into the future and lay the foundations for child care 20 years from now. A child care system that benefits and works for all families.
Australia has the opportunity now to create one of the best child care systems in the world offering quality and flexible care. The Australian Nanny Association wants to support families and make this future vision a reality.
You can learn more about The Australian Nanny Association by visiting our website. And we ask that you support the ANA by liking our Facebook page
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