What's the going rate for a babysitter?

[GumtreeGirl]

One of my 14 month old son's ex-keyworkers at nursery (ex as she's moved on to something else) has given us her number in case we need any babysitting. Given that our son already knows her (and she's been CRB'd), we'd quite like to take her up on this as nights out for irresponsible drinking (ie. more than 2 glasses) have been thin on the ground of late.

However, all our babysitters so far have been either friends or family, and we haven't got a clue about the going rate for sitting.

Any suggestions?

You need to ask her what she charges, as I'm sure she already has a 'fee'

However, if you are asking so that you are not when she tells you it depends on area it could be anything from £6 per hour to £10 or so.

You could have a look on various babysitter search sites to get a feel for likely costs in your area.

Some sites of many you could search
findababysitter.com
findasitter.co.uk
childcare.co.uk

For someone qualified/in the process of qualifying its about £7.50 - £8 per hour round here.

Thanks all!

nbee84 - yes, it was so we could maintain a dignified composure depending on what she said!

nannynick - thanks for these links, will have a perusal.

taffetacat (love the name!) - this is useful to know, cheers again

as others said it can vary from £6-10-12ph depending on area/age etc

but sure she will have some figure in mind