One of the major downsides to having my family on the other side of the world is the distinct lack of babysitters when Danny and I fancy a night out. Which is why we've only managed a wedding and a couple of dinners since Lucia was born a year and a half ago. So I jumped at the chance to try out the Sitters childcare agency.
I've looked at a few on-line babysitting organisations in the past, but none of them have really impressed me enough to consider using them. But I was immediately reassured by the professionalism of their site, which was clear, and informative, and easy to navigate.
I loved that the service was founded by parents Lucie and Stephen Allen, after they spotted a gap in the market for quality, reliable evening childcare. They began interviewing and compiling a pool of experienced and professional child minders. Today they have access to thousands of babysitters all over the UK.
After registering with the service on line I simply typed in the day and date and time that I needed childcare. The next day I got a call to let me know that Samantha, one of the agency's most experienced sitters, was available. All the details, including the hourly rate, were confirmed by text, and I got another reminder early on the day. Samantha also gave me a quick call an hour before, to reassure me that she was on her way. We arranged for her to arrive just before Lucia's bed time, so that they could meet each other. Lucia's a good sleeper, but I wanted her to recognise Samantha, just in case she did wake up.
This was the first time we'd left her with a sitter, but I wasn't nervous at all. I was really able to relax and enjoy myself, knowing Lucia was in safe hands. I oved the fact that they even can provide professional sitters to your hotel, if you need a night off from the kids while on holiday.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the service, or use it again. Our social life is finally a reality again! www.sitters.co.uk.
• The service is free to join - after completing your first booking your membership will be automatically renewed at a cost of £12.75 every three months, until you cancel. Each booking attracts a fee of around £4. The sitter's hourly rate ranges beteween £5.80 and £6.85 (for a minimum of four hours) depending on the day and location - though you should expect to pay more for special dates, like New Year's Eve, or short notice bookings.
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