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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

How did you recruit your babysitter?

60 replies

Chuffinnora · 04/09/2008 18:38

I need my social life back and need to find a babysitter. I can't ask any family members, friends all have kids and we wouldn't be able to go out together and none of my neighbours or friends have any handy teenagers I could ask. I checked the babysitting sites but none have a sitter in my area. Any ideas?

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MascaraOHara · 05/09/2008 16:33

I put up a local ad. - girl turned out to be a nightmare.

I used Sitters - woman was cold, dd asked me not bring a stranger again

Eventually - I as a girl advertising.. she had done a 'babysitting' course at her local college during the shcool holidays.. learnt basic first aid etc.. had lal litlle forms (bless her) she's been fab.. so my recommendation.. Call your local colleges ask if they are doing a similar scheme and if there's a a way you can find out if there's anybody local..

lindseyfox · 05/09/2008 16:28

perhaps we need to start a babysitter thread so people on here who do babysit can state area they cover, quals and experience and their rates.

Original poster
Chuffinnora · 05/09/2008 10:17

I'm in West Wales. Think the idea about the childcare dept is a good one as it is just down the road from my house.
I will also look into the youth group/church idea.
Thanks

OP posts:
nannynick · 05/09/2008 07:29

If your child goes to a youth group, then ask there about teenage youth group members who may be looking to babysit (eg. Guide/Scout/St.John Ambulance group)

nannynick · 05/09/2008 07:23

Church newsletter
Postcard at newsagents/village store

mrspnut · 04/09/2008 19:59

I put an ad in the childcare department of my local college and got a girl who is doing her NVQ in childcare.

They've all been CRB checked and they are all fairly used to children so it seemed the most sensible option.

lindseyfox · 04/09/2008 19:57

what area are you in? maybe someone on here who babysits is local to you.

Simplyme · 04/09/2008 19:07

Try asking around - mums at schools etc and ask who they use!! There must be people in your areas who use babysittters?

navyeyelasH · 04/09/2008 18:54

Gumtree is normally your friend! Or net mums

Anna8888 · 04/09/2008 18:42

Put an ad in your local classified mag.