Childcare

Childcare for the little ones There are a variety of options to care for your preschoolers

the little ones can interact and enjoy the large space. Children from birth to two years old are welcome and a range of toys are provided. For first-time attendees, contact Mrs Vanda Cole on 2855 7074. stjohnscathedral.org.hk

Safari Kid International This is the first international unaccompanied day care centre for children under the age of two in Hong Kong. Childhood programs are offered in Mandarin, English and Cantonese at their Happy Valley and Repulse Bay campuses. safarikidinternational.com DAY CARE

Rent-A-Mum Professional childcare service offering English speaking nannies on a temporary or permanent basis for all ages. Ideal for an evening of babysitting or for mum’s returning to work. They even offer maternity services such as 24-hour maternity nurses and sleep troubleshooting for first-time parents. rent-a-mum.com PROFESSIONAL CHILDCARE

Facebook: Hong Kong Teen Sitters This group is specifically for under 18-year-olds who have an interest in childcare and are looking for babysitting jobs. They’ll have the energy to run around and entertain PART-TIME CHILDCARE

the kids. Availability limited around school hours.facebook.com/groups/TeenSitters

DIY PLAY DATES Mumz For parents that miss swiping, this Tinder-like app helps you find your tribe. Scroll through the app and make friends with Mumz (or Dadz) in your area to create your own play dates. The App was created by Ekta Tejwani who also runs a Facebook group: Meet Mumz - Let's build it together. meetmumz.com

ACCOMPANIED PLAYGROUP Bebegarten Bebegarten’s playgroups range from crawlers (6-11 months), movers (11-16 months), toddlers (16-24 months) and transition (24-36 months). Monthly tuition starts from $1,800. Open 8am-5pm Monday to Friday. bebegarten.com

INFORMAL PLAY St John’s Playgroup This friendly, informal group meets at St John’s Cathedral in Central every Thursday from 2.30-4.30pm. Parents or carers can socialise over cake whilst

Hiring help in Hong Kong Foreign domestic helpers (typically from the Philippines or Indonesia) can be employed on a full time, two-year contract.

Who can hire a helper? Hong Kong residents (HKID card holders) with a monthly household income of at least $15,000.

How do I find a helper? It is best to do so by word of mouth or specialist helper recruitment agencies. Either way, you must enter into a binding Standard Employment Contract (ID407) and apply to the Immigration Department for an employment visa for your helper.

How much will a helper cost me? The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for a full-time helper (at the time of writing) is $4,630 per month (many pay more than this depending on years of service). Employers must also provide food or a food allowance of no less than $1,121 per month; suitable accommodation with access to cooking and bathroom facilities; insurance and medical care; pay all hiring-related costs; and airfares for annual home leave.

Things to be aware of • Employers must give their helpers a full day of rest each week.

• Helpers are entitled to 12 statutory holidays as well as annual leave.

• A special application must be made should you need your helper to take up driving duties, for which they also need a valid Hong Kong driving licence. • It is illegal to employ a full-time foreign domestic helper who doesn’t live in your home.