2025 Guide to Employment Contracts for Nannies in Australia

Employment Agreements for Nannies

Hiring the perfect nanny is just the beginning but ensuring a clear, compliant nanny employment contract is what protects both your family and your childcare professional. At Pay The Nanny, we offer all our customers a free, fully compliant employment contract for nannies, tailored to the latest Fair Work rules and the Miscellaneous Award in Australia.

Not Sure Where to Begin?

We know that setting up a nanny employment contract can feel like a lot - especially when it’s your first time hiring. That’s why we’re here to make it easy.

   -   We offer our customers free, legally compliant nanny contracts for every payroll setup

   -   Our team is on hand to guide you through every step — from hiring to tax and super.

  -    Whether you're ready to get started or just exploring options, we've got you covered.

Get in touch with us, sign up, or read more:

1. Contact us for advice and help getting started

2. SIgn up now to get started with payroll and an employment contract

3. Learn more about how we support families

Why a Solid Contract for Nannies Matters

A written contract for nannies is more than paperwork, it’s the foundation of a trusting, transparent relationship. In Australia, all employers must comply with the National Employment Standards (NES) and relevant Modern Award (the Miscellaneous Award 2020 for nannies). A well‑crafted nanny agreement:

• Clarifies expectations around duties, hours, pay and notice periods
• Ensures compliance with minimum wages, superannuation and leave entitlements
• Protects both parties from misunderstandings and potential disputes

When you use our free contract template, you’re taking the guesswork out of compliance - no legal jargon, just clear, practical clauses.

Key Elements Every Nanny Agreement Must Include

1. Parties & Job Details

• Employer name and address

• Nanny’s full name and start date

• Job title: “Nanny” (or as appropriate)

2. Employment Type & Hours

• Full‑time, part‑time or casual classification

• Ordinary hours per week (max 38 + reasonable additional hours)

• Rostering and notice requirements for extra hours

3. Pay Rates & Superannuation

• Base pay must meet or exceed the Miscellaneous Award rate (minimum $25.80/hr as of 1 July 2024)

• Super Guarantee contributions at 11.5% of ordinary earnings (increasing to 12% from 1 July 2025)

• Frequency of pay (weekly, fortnightly or monthly)

4. National Employment Standards (NES) Entitlements.

• Paid annual leave (4 weeks/year, pro‑rata for part‑time)

• Personal/carer’s leave (10 days/year for full‑time; pro‑rata for part‑time)

• Compassionate leave (2 days for each qualifying occasion)

• Unpaid family & domestic violence leave (5 days/year)

• Community service leave (e.g., jury duty)

• Long service leave (state‑based accruals apply)

• Public holiday pay (higher penalty rates when working)

• Notice of termination and redundancy pay (up to 5 weeks’ notice; redundancy if eligible)

5. Modern Award Conditions

• Penalty rates for weekends and public holidays

• Overtime and allowances (e.g., first aid, meal breaks, laundry)

• Flexible work requests (can only be refused on “reasonable business grounds”)

6. Probation & Trial Periods

• Typical probation: 3–6 months

• Conditions to end probation, with required notice

7. Optional Clauses to Suit Your Family

• Flexible or on‑call arrangements

• Averaging hours over multiple weeks

• Annual bonus or pay review date

• Travel or expense reimbursement

• Confidentiality, conflict of interest and IP ownership

• Emergency/disaster clause (covers pandemics or other crises)

8. Comprehensive Job Description

A clear list of duties ensures no surprises. Common tasks include:

• Preparing bottles and feeding equipment

• Bathing, dressing and supervising children

• Planning meals, snacks and light housework

• School runs, activity coordination and homework help

• Record‑keeping of daily events

9. Termination & Notice Mutual notice periods (e.g., 2 weeks by either party) 

• Mutual notice periods (e.g., 2 weeks by either party)

• Grounds for termination (serious misconduct, redundancy)

• Exit procedures (final payslip, return of property)

How Pay The Nanny Simplifies Your Nanny Agreements

Creating a compliant contract doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our free contract for nannies gives you:

• Access to up‑to‑date templates reflecting 2025 rules
• Expert guidance on selecting optional clauses that match your family’s routine
• Ongoing support from our qualified accountants and payroll specialists
• Peace of mind knowing your nanny’s employment is fully compliant

Simply sign up or contact us and we can help make sure that you've got the right employment contract for your nanny. Then, once that employment contract is signed and in place, we can help make sure the payroll's all sorted too. 

Next Steps: Secure Your Free Nanny Employment Contract

• Contact us to discuss your family’s needs and any specific clauses you’d like included.

• Or, sign up and start the onboarding process—it only takes a few minutes.

• We’ll send through the right employment contract for the job, fully tailored and compliant with 2025 Australian rules.

If you have any questions about specific clauses such superannuation rates, state‑based long service leave or penalty rates our team is here to help. Contact us today and let Pay The Nanny handle the payroll, so you can focus on what really matters: building a trusting, supportive relationship with your nanny.