Best childcare arrangement advice needed please

[Rindercella]

I am a SAHM with a 17 month old DD. I am trying to work out what would be the best childcare solution for us. Basically, I just want 2/3 hours a couple of times a week to go to the gym, give myself a little time out (and for DD to have some time away from me too!). I think that firstly a nursery would be too formal an arrangement, and probably too expensive to justify given that it is just for some 'me time' and not because I am earning. So, should I either try & find a CM or should I find a regular babysitter? Sorry, this sounds such a daft question, but I am just really unsure which would be the better thing to do.

Would a CM be flexible in terms of days/times she minded my DD or would I have to take DD at the same time every week? As we also want the occasional evening babysitter, maybe it would be a better idea to find someone to regularly mind DD during the day who could also sit in the evenings sometimes. Many years ago when I was a student I used to work for an agency where I would baby sit and/or do ironing, etc. I had several children I sat for regularly. Do these agencies still exist? Can anyone recommend one (I am near Banbury)?

Sorry for the ramble! And TIA for any suggestions

There are agencies that do this, Sitters is one - but be aware that Sitters do not ask for CRB checks, you could be letting anyone into your home! Apparently, they ask their babysitters for references, but there is no check on their criminal or possible paedophile history!
Registered Childminders are your best bet - they are thoroughly checked (including CRB) otherwise do your homework before leaving your child with anyone.

rindercela - you need a me but i am in kent so too far away from you

i work 3days perm for a family and ad hoc/temp/work for agencies if nannies are ill or mummies who need /want a little me time

try looking on www.netmums.co.uk or placing your own ad

ridercella you need a student!

I do things like this for a family but sadly im in manchester!

arrgh! I obviously need to live in either Kent or Manchester!! netmums was a great idea - thanks for that. I have replied to someone who sounds a near perfect fit (someone who sounds rather like you Blondes).

Thanks for your replies

there is only one blondes

hope you get someone - or move to kent

Why not find a gym with a creche? Mine takes my ds for a couple of hours twice a week so I get some 'me' time, and there's usually free slots so you don't have to have a rigid plan. Also some of the creche assistants do babysitting as well, which is nice as they've already got to know ds. Worth a try.

try oxford gumtree - found a babysitter that way. I'm also taking a student from banbury college this term, you never know I might be able to recommend her - contact me on rebs 23 29 a t ya hoo dot co dot uk and I'll give you contact details for placement co-ordinator at banbury - you never know she might let you advertise

oh, spiceball leisure centre has a creche also rugrats will let you drop and leave for up to two hours not sure which days though.

Thanks Twinkly. Sounds like you are very local to me

Have checked out Gumtree, so thanks for that. Will check out Rugrats - didn't realise you could do that there. Am a member of Bannatyne's (which doesn't have a creche), and DH would have a moan if I cancelled the membership to go to Spiceball (although looks like the new leisure centre is going to be very nice!).

Thanks so much again for your suggestions.

I dont live in your area either ....but... I am a childminder and do exactly this, I have a mum who wants a couple hours a week and basically I let her book up to 2 weeks in advance and fit her in where I can

hth

If I have spaces, I will offer ad hoc care. And I live in your area.