Has anyone used sitters.co.uk?

[spekulatius]

I'm stuck for childcare this week, only for just over 4 hours but can't find anyone at all to look after DD. I don't usually work that day, childminder is already full as are all her cm friends. Friends can't do it and it's a mandatory training day at work so I really can't cancel. I work at a hospital which has a nursery attached which I'm going to ring but I'm pretty sure they won't do it. So I've looked at sitters.co.uk and emergencychildcare.co.uk, sitters seem cheaper but only have babysitters, emergency have nannies, nurseries and childminders. I would prefer a childminder as that is what DD is used to. Has anyone got any experience with either of them?

I've used them and had good experiences. I think there's an MN discount too.

When they say they provide daycare, do they mean a nanny or a babysitter?

I have used them in the evenings a few times. I was happy.

All the sitters I've ever been offered have been teachers nursery nurses etc. I'd go onto the website and fill in the details and see who they come up with in your area. That will give you an idea of what potential cover they have. You can do this without signing up.

I've used them for daytime care before, although, I just get them to stay around the house or out to a local park. We've used them off and on for over 8 years and only issue has ever been someone that i didn't think spoke good enough English.

For just a few hours it's perfect.

We've started using them recently so have only used one Sitter (twice) but its been a very positive experience. She previously worked in a nursery, then as a childminder and now works in a school, so lots of experience in formal childcare settings.

I have not used it myself but friends have and say it is ok.

DD is 2, that's my worry.

Ok I'll be honest I have 4 dcs from 13 to 2. I wouldn't leave my 2 or 5 year old with them alone, i have my older girls there who ate my spys. Only because unless you get the same person everytime, you won't have me them before and I want that for very little dcs.

spek - we were worried too before we used Sitters (I started a thread about it a few weeks ago on MN), our dd is 2.6 but now we've used them I'd have no concerns about leaving dd with the Sitter we used.
The local parent reviews were reassuring (one was even on the same street as us) and the Sitter lives 0.5 miles away.

Dd knew we were going out and played happily with the Sitter for an hour or so before bedtime. Despite dd promising us faithfully she'd sleep quietly, turns out dd had a whale of a time, fake coughing etc for attention which resulted in cuddles, drinks, stories etc. Dd delighted in telling us all about it in the morning.
The second time we used the Sitter dd insisted she help with bathtime. I was really surprised, my MiL is the only other person who has helped bath dd. She also slept right through which is a sign she felt comfortable.

Dd keeps asking when the Sitter is coming again so every indication is dd likes her and feels comfortable/safe with her. From everything we've seen the Sitter has been warm, attentive, engaging and reassuring.

Its normal to have reservations about leaving your child with a stranger and only you can decide if it works for you. Not everyone's family is the best option (my parents are impatient, inattentive, not in great physical health and not great with young kids - I wouldn't leave dd with them for more than 5 mins).

Been badly let down by Sitters. Needed someone yesterday (Sunday) afternoon so we could visit a very sick relative in hospital. The sitter just didn't show up. The company have been pathetic - just excuses. Asked for a manager to ring me on Monday - have had to chase for that too. Again more excuses about how message was not relayed. Really? When manager did ring she admitted she had not looked into the matter. Again more excuses and and the most reluctant apology I have ever heard.

I had a really positive experience the one time I used them. Would happily use again. DS was 22 months.