Frequently asked questions

Over the last eight years, Peas in a Pod has built up a wonderful network of families through word of mouth. It is such a small world here in Melbourne, and Peas makes it even smaller! Every family is vetted by the agency before being onboarded, some families have been with the agency forever and you can see reviews from previous sitters With the support of the Peas team behind you, you can feel safe and comfortable working with our families.

The best way to monitor your jobs is via the Peas in a Pod app. You’ll receive a push notification, along with an email letting you know you’ve been confirmed for the job.

As soon as you receive this confirmation, text or call the family to introduce yourself and confirm details such as the address and start time. You should text to confirm again on the day of the booking.

Once you’ve been officially onboarded, you’ll receive an info pack from our HR manager along with all the other necessary details for getting set up with the agency.

If you’ve got your WWCC and First aid already, the next steps are applying for roles on the job board. If a family reads your profile and thinks you could be a good fit for them, we will reach out to set up a meeting.

Often families will meet with a couple of sitters, we suggest you do the same and meet with a few different families to get an idea of who would be the best fit. There’s always a one week trial period for both you and the family to decide if it’s a good match going forward.

After that trial you’ll be required to pay the annual $132 nannying fee. This fee won’t need to be paid again if you remain with the same family.

Your hours can look however you like! If you’re a Uni student you can do as little as 3-6 hours a week, or up to 30 hours. When you have your quick chat with a member of the Peas team, we always ask what kind of work you’d be looking for, morning, afternoons or full days? We want to find you work that suits with your schedule and most importantly, you enjoy!

We all have to start somewhere right! Let’s chat on the phone about what type of care you may have done or encountered before, we can even help you build up your confidence or expand your age range with some casual babysitting, just reach out to a member of the team when you need support!

We always provide recommendations based on the requirements of a role but, if you’re a little older, have a lot of experience, have a childcare qualification or want to go above and beyond to charge a higher rate you absolutely can!

The going rate at the moment is between $28-$30 per hour, depending on experience - if you need any help figuring out what a good rate to set is based on your experience, contact one of us on the team and we would be happy to help you!

Please note - families pay sitters directly, this payment is not facilitated by the agency.

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

Don’t stress! After your phone call we will send you two emails, the first helps you get set up on our platform and the second has all the information you need about the agency, WWCC, First aid and more!

The great thing is you can get the ball rolling, by interviewing and meeting with families before you’ve got these finalised. We just can’t send you out on your first day without them locked in!

Peas runs a First Aid course in conjunction with our partners Help at Hand, the classes are monthly and are exclusive for Peas sitters - let Ella know on the phone if you’d be interested in this.

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

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

Babysitters and Nannies are advised to obtain their own personal insurance.

Nannying is consistent ongoing work with the same family, often at the same time each week. Whereas, babysitting is casual, ad-hoc work with differently families

Peas in a Pod requires each Babysitter to pay a $60 annual fee in order to access ongoing casual work opportunities. This payment is made through direct debit. Peas in a Pod will advise the Babysitter via email prior to the funds being debited.

Peas in a Pod requires each Nanny to pay a $132 annual fee once they have been successfully placed with a family. 

We are so glad you asked! Peas is run by a team of five girls, all of which are nannies ourselves so we know exactly what you’re going through.

If you’re a new nanny or have a babysitting question contact Grace on 0452 663 097.

If you’re a nanny applying to work with a family (on the books) reach out to Ella on 0435 333 625.

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If you’re unwell before a shift, where possible 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 family to inform Peas in a Pod if they require a replacement. Sitters are welcome to communicate the need for a replacement on the families behalf.

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.

Nannies/Babysitters are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs during a shift, and are prohibited from bringing such substances into the Parent/Guardian’s residence.

Your card details go on file for the deduction of your annual fees. You won’t be charged until you have received work with us, and you will always be notified before we charge you.