Frequently asked questions

Peas in a Pod has been operating in Melbourne for over seven years now. In this time we have built an incredible network of trustworthy and reliable sitters, what sets us apart from other agencies is that we find majority of our sitters via word of mouth referrals.

Every sitter who applies to the agency is heavily vetted, interviewed and referenced checked.

All of our sitters are equipped with a WWCC along with a First aid certificate, which also covers CPR.

All of our sitters have extensive experience both inside the agency and otherwise. Within each sitters profile you can find reference checks from previous employers.

The easiest way to book a sitter is via the Peas in a Pod app. Available for download on both IOS and Google play. If you’d prefer to book via the website you can do so by clicking here.

The booking fee is $25, same day bookings, or bookings made with less than 12 hours notice will also incur a $10 rush fee.

All of our sitters set their own rates, these are outlined in their profiles. These rates can range from $28- $40 an hour depending on the requirements of the role. We have sitters with varying qualifications and experience and this is all reflected in their bios.

The current going rate is $32.

Sitters are paid directly by families, either via cash at the end of a shift or direct bank transfer.

For nannying, we recommend families pay their nannies of a weekly basis. But whatever is agreed upon with the nanny and the family must be honoured.

The babysitting booking fee is $25, same day bookings, or bookings made with less than 12 hours notice will also incur a $10 rush fee.

The weekly subscription for nannying families is $33 debited monthly at $132 inc GST.

If you’re away or your sitter is away for a week or more and you let the agency know prior to your debit date, this fee won’t be deducted or will be deducted at a reduced rate.

Peas in a Pod Babysitters and Nannies are sole traders who work as independent contractors for the Parent/Guardian.

Sitters are therefore responsible for paying their own tax and Superannuation. It is recommended that each sitters has their own ABN for these purposes. You’re not legally required to make Superannuation contributions but are advised to do so.

Sitters and families are advised to obtain their own personal insurance.

Peas in a Pod recommends https://nannysure.com.au/

The great thing about Peas in a Pod is our personalised approach to finding care for families. No matter what your families requirements, we can find the right solution. Nannying can be both long term or short term, working with the same sitter, often on a weekly basis.

Whereas, babysitting is casual, ad-hoc work. Utilising the Peas in a Pod app, you can seamlessly book sitters in a matter of taps. Don’t forget to favourite the sitter if you’d like to have them again!

When a Nanny/Babysitter is confirmed for a job they must text or call the Parent/Guardian right away.

The top priority of the Nanny/Babysitter is to actively engage with the children and ensure their safety. Phone usage must be restricted while the children are awake and only used to communicate with the parent or other emergency situations.

Nannies/Babysitters are also expected to perform light housework such as wiping down benches, taking out bins, stacking/unpacking the dishwasher, cleaning up children’s toys, preparing meals for the children, folding/putting away children’s clothes. 

Our Nannies will always respect the residence and any other personal property belonging to the family.

In your initial chat with Nat, our client manager she will be able to give you a rough indication of how long it will take to fill your role. Depending on the varying requirements, hours, kids ages, location etc.

Being flexible on days can often help speed up the process of finding the right candidate!

For Nannying

If a child or person in the house is unwell, the Parent/Guardian must notify the Nanny prior to the Nanny's arrival. Nannies reserve the right to choose not to attend a scheduled day of work when the child or a person in the house is unwell.

If the Nanny is not notified that a child or person in the house is unwell and arrives for a scheduled day of work to find this is the case, the Nanny reserves the right to leave the house and the Parent/Guardian must pay the Nanny the equivalent of three-hours’ work. 

If the Nanny is unwell, the Nanny must notify the Parent/Guardian by 4pm on the day prior to their scheduled day of work, at the latest. It is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian to inform Peas in a Pod if they require a replacement.

If the Nanny is unwell but feels able to work without putting the children at risk, they must inform the Parent/Guardian and the Parent/Guardian can choose whether they are comfortable with the Nanny working in these circumstances. In these instances, the Parent/Guardian bears the responsibility if the Children subsequently get sick.

For Babysitting

If a child or person in the house is unwell, the Parent/Guardian must notify Peas in a Pod at +61 435 333 625 or grace@peasinapodagency.com.au prior to the Babysitter’s arrival. Babysitters reserve the right to choose not to attend work when the child or a person in the house is unwell.

If Peas in a Pod is not notified that a child or person in the house is unwell and the Babysitter arrives to find this is the case, the Babysitter reserves the right to leave the house and the Parent/Guardian must pay the Babysitter the equivalent of three-hours’ work.

Peas in a Pod does not authorise Babysitters to attend work while unwell. Babysitters are therefore also prohibited from accepting work while sick.

If the Babysitter becomes unwell after accepting a job, the Babysitter must notify the Peas in a Pod by 4pm on the day prior to their scheduled day of work so Peas in a Pod can find a replacement.

One of the thing that makes Peas in a Pod so unique is our replacement service. We know our families are busy with work, life and beyond so when your nanny is sick or unavailable we do our best to find are replacement. We have a 98% fill rate on our jobs, thanks to our large network of sitters all across Melbourne.

It is the families responsibility to let the agency know if they’re finishing up. Both the sitter and the family are required to sign a digital agreement confirming the termination of the working relationship. If the sitter or the family continue to work together behind the agencies back, the sitter will lose access to all future work with the agency.