How do I find an overnight babysitter?

[birthdayfood]

I’ve been shortlisted for an industry award in a few weeks time, with the award ceremony on the other side of the country. This will likely be really beneficial for my career & I’m desperate for a new job, plus my boss has spent ££ on the tickets so I really do need to go.

But we live very far from any family & friends, and (tween) DD is ND and really doesn’t want to stay at any of her friends houses (for valid reasons tbh - lots of friendship dramas going on atm!).

She’s v high functioning & independent, and is totally fine with me going as long as she stay in her own house with her own routine.

There’s only one overnight babysitter in the area listed on childcare.co.uk, who hasn’t responded to my message.

Does anyone have any other ideas? Feels a bit weird posting on FB, though obviously I’ll ask for a DBS/ references. We also have lovely next door neighbours who she could always go to if there was any trouble, but she wouldn’t want to stay with them unless it was an Emergency & I wouldn’t ask as they’re v elderly.

Some potential places to look:

• Teenage kids of reasonably near neighbours.
• staff at any hobbies - particularly the young adult ones (dance, gym, brownies)
• teaching assistants at school
• friends parents in two parent households, particularly ones whos appreciate some extra cash. A night at yours, peace and quiet, free choice of tv watching and extra cash is a dream night to some
• any colleagues? Reception staff, admin type people in particular sometimes have more portfolio approach to income
• teaching assistants / trainee teachers (even better if there are any at a school that isn’t your child’s)
• childminders / recently stopped child minding
• brrakfast club / afterschool club staff

you mention your neighbours that shed go to them for help

Would none of them be able to stay at yours for the night?

Id do this for my neighbours no problem !!

Our neighbour over the road rang my bell one night at 9pm needing to take older child to the hospital - younger one was asleep in the house and i went over there and waited witht he child for them! I really didnt mind and i dont even know them that well! I'd honestly do this for any of the neighbours - id even go to a house of a school friend of my daughter to look after them if needed in an emergency or situation like yours and leave own kids at home with dad

is there no neighbour youd ask

Just remembered about this thread! I asked the mum of DDs most lovely friend (who she never falls out with) and she is happy to have her stay. Forgot about the dog in all the panic but luckily his dog sitter can have him too. So all’s well that ends well! Now I just have to worry about networking 🫠 thanks everyone for all of your ideas & help.

Fantastic, enjoy your evening!!

I can’t believe after how certain you were that she couldn’t possibly stay at a friends and there was too much drama etc that you’ve actually got a perfect friend she doesnt fall out with, with a lovely mum that you’ve got to have her 🙈
But I’m glad it’s worked out anyway, enjoy the trip!