The January Childcare Reset: What Families Should Review Before the School Year Starts

January is the calm before the storm for most families. Before school bags, activities and routines take over, this is the one window to reset your childcare setup properly. A few focused checks now can prevent stress, confusion and payroll issues later in the year.

January is unique. For many New Zealand families, it is the only point in the year where work is quieter, routines are flexible, and there is time to think clearly. Once school and daycare restart, childcare decisions tend to become reactive rather than planned.

A January childcare reset helps families start the year with clarity, confidence and compliance. Below is a simple, practical checklist to work through before the school year begins.

1. Review nanny hours and availability

The biggest childcare problems in February often come from assumptions made in January.

Start by reviewing:

• What hours you needed last year versus what you will need once school starts
• Before and after school care requirements
• School holiday coverage and teacher-only days
• Any changes to work-from-home or office expectations

It is common for families to carry over last year’s hours without checking whether they still make sense. A short conversation now avoids awkward renegotiations later.

If your nanny has other families or commitments, January is also the best time to confirm their availability for the year ahead.

2. Update pay rates for the new year

January is when many families adjust pay, either due to:

• Minimum wage changes
• Increased experience or responsibilities
• Market rate shifts in their city
• Loyalty or retention increases

Even a small hourly increase can have flow-on effects for annual costs, PAYE, KiwiSaver and leave calculations.

This is also a good moment to sense-check whether your current rate is still competitive. Families who underpay often experience higher turnover or reduced flexibility later in the year.

If you are changing pay rates, make sure the change is documented and applied consistently from an agreed date. For the most recent pay rates in NZ, check out our guidance here.

3. Check contracts and agreements are still fit for purpose

Many nanny arrangements quietly drift away from what the contract says.

January is the right time to review:

• Hours of work and flexibility clauses
• Duties and responsibilities
• Term-time versus holiday expectations
• Notice periods and pay review language

If arrangements have changed significantly, it may be worth updating the agreement so it reflects reality. This protects both the family and the nanny.

For guidance on minimum employment standards, families can refer to Employment New Zealand which outlines legal obligations for household employers.

4. Review leave balances and public holidays

Leave issues are one of the most common sources of confusion in nanny payroll.

Before the year begins, check:

• Outstanding annual leave balances
• How public holidays fall on your nanny’s usual workdays
• Any planned family holidays where leave may be taken
• How sick leave will reset or accrue during the year

Understanding leave early helps families budget accurately and prevents disputes later on. It also ensures your nanny feels confident about their entitlements.