Childcare in Australia

One of the main concerns when moving to a new country is who is going to help with the children. We can no longer ask friends or family to keep an eye on them whilst we go off to work so we need to look at alternatives.

Unfortunately childcare is expensive in Australia and sometimes it may be worth considering whether it's more cost affective for one parent to remain at home until your child can start school.

Below are some options available:

Family Day Care

Suitable for children 6 weeks - 12 years - 

Costs: $6 - $10 per hour - average $57 per day.

Family day care is the UK alternative to a registered childminder. To be able to look after your child in their home they need the following:

Cert III in Education and Care (or working towards this)

First Aid Certificate 

A working with children check

Public Liability Insurance

Childcare Centre

Suitable for children Birth - 5 years

Costs: $70 - $200 per day

A childcare centre is what we would call a nursery in the UK. It is an expensive option but may be the one you find most suited to your circumstances. The centre will be licensed with qualified staff who follow a structured program. Like all childcare centres there will be a child/staff ratio and your child will not be cared for on a one to one basis.

The downside with childcare centres is that they are not flexible with their operating hours also a lot do have long waiting lists and like schools some parents have their child's name down before they are born.

Nanny

Suitable for children 6 weeks - 14 years

Costs: $17 - $25 per hour dependent on experience 

A nanny is someone who is qualified to care for your child in their own environment. Although having a qualified nanny is expensive if you have more than one child it may work out cheaper. You can choose a nanny that will either live in or out and the wage will relate to this. 

If you are hiring a nanny please check they have a working with children card and a first aid certificate. 

You will find a nanny will give you more flexibility especially if you are working shifts.

Au Pair

Suitable for children 2 years - 12 years

Costs: $200 per week live in.

Some au pairs are not qualified to work with children and look at it more as a stepping stone to another career. They may not be reliable or may only stay with you for a short period of time. We find a lot of backpackers look for work as an au pair because it gives them accommodation and a small bit of spending money. An au pair can also help with cooking meals for the child, some prefer not to cater for the family or do full housework so make sure you both know what you are letting yourselves in for. 

Before and After School Care

Suitable from 5 years - 15 years

Cost: $10 - $30 per session

You will find most schools or church groups offer a before and after school club. Unfortunately these only have limited hours but are a good option if you have a 9 - 5 job.

Read our Child Care Benefits Article - https://www.pomsinoz.com/articles.html/living-in-australia/child-care-benefit-r27/