EXETER Babysitting circle??? or just good babysitters you know :)

[littlelamb]

Right, lets all clamber in here. I have never set up a babysitting circle before but it does seem like a good idea. I liek the idea of sharing babysitting around rather than having to hand over a big wad of cash after an already expensive night out ont eh tiles . Obviously a meetup or two would be a good idea before we all start palming our children off on each other
Otherwise, please use this thread to share details of good babysitters you know and have used (CAT might be preferable to putting up their details here iyswim)

Yes, yes, yes! (But you know that already!).

I don't know any babysitters (I do a lot of shared childcare with friends instead - but mostly children go to the other house rather than adult goes to child's house, I find that a lot easier as you don't have to give up an evening) but how is your school appeal going, Littlelamb?

Yes, that is how I used to do it. (children at other house)

What school are you trying to get into Littlelamb?, I got confused when you said about that before! I know a few people have not got into our school this year

Trying for Stoke Hill. Have been allocated Willowbrook but not thrilled. Fennel, I posted off the letter and sent it recorded delivery nearly 2 weeks ago. Still heard nothing Am desperate for dd to start in September

Ah Stoke Hill do have a good reputation. I don't really know Willowbrook, but if you don't get in to Stoke Hill there will probably be some other schools you could get into that you prefer to Willowbrook?

I went to appeal with ds for Ide or St Davids, (due to our situation at the time I wanted him at a small school) we got turned down on both, so we went for St Thomas and it has been really good, so even if you fail on your first choice it might all work out without going to the school you would be allocated.

I don't know much about the schools over there. Could dd start at Willowbrook and go on a waiting list? My experience is that children move in and out of primary schools quite regularly, so even if school is full there will be places at some point. Our local school is full and officially oversubscribed but children do move around a lot, even so.

My dds went to 3 schools while still in ks1 and didn't seem too disturbed by it, so I'm a bit more prepared to recommend moving schools than I would have been before seeing how easily some (many?) children adapt.

It's an excellent idea . However DS has been an utterly crap sleeper whenever he's been away from home so I'm not sure I'd wish that on anyone, at the moment he's a crap sleeper at home as well which I'm sure will make the idea even more appealing.

I do have a lovely friend who is setting up a childminding business. She might be planning to do days more than evenings but I can make some enquiries if anyone's interested?