The Australian Nanny Association (ANA) is a new industry organisation set up in 2012 to support nannies and make the nanny industry more accessible for parents.
According to the ANA its aims are to:
- Bring together, support and represent nannies working in Australia.
- Lobby the government to extend the child care rebate to families who employ a nanny, providing families with greater choice and more flexible child care options. The ANA says that extension of the rebate to nannies will ensure that minimum standards are upheld and that nannies are recognised as the quality child care providers that they are.
- Assist in the establishment of a nationally accredited course and qualification that specifically meets the training needs of nannies.
- Create a set of national minimum standards and encourage both nannies and agencies to uphold those standards.
The ANA says the new standards will assist families choosing a nanny and promote professionalism in the industry.
According to the ANA's new national standards nannies and in home carers must:
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age
- Hold a current Australian First Aid and CPR Certificate
- Hold a Working with Children Check
- Hold a National Police check
- Be able to supply at least two current contactable nanny or child care referees
- Hold a Certificate III, Diploma, teaching qualification or be working towards a relevant qualification or attending regular relevant training workshops and courses
- Adhere to the ANA code of conduct
The ANA says it will oversee the national standards for its membership.
Membership to the ANA is optional however, according to the ANA the role of a nanny in Australia is widely misunderstood and having a professional association gives nannies a collective voice to educate the wider public, as well as a central point to go for advice and support.
“Our association will draw together nannies from all over Australia to support each other, build friendships and find information. The association will also be a political voice for nannies in the current discussions about Australia's child care issues and the attempts by government to find solutions,” says the ANA website.
Accessing ANA Members
To support this initiative CareforKids.com.au has set up a new icon for nannies and babysitters that allows parents to search for nannies and babysitters that are ANA members.
Click here to look for ANA nannies or babysitters on CareforKids.com.au.
To find out more about the ANA's initiatives for nannies, click here.
