Does a babysitter stay at the property?
It is really up to you, the parent, to decide if the babysitter must stay on the premises with the children.
If it's day time, the sitter can take the children to one of London's many parks, or to the museum, or engage with them in a number of outdoor activities.
If it's evening time, they generally stay in, play games, read books, make sure the children have dinner and prepare them for bed-time.
They are happy to follow your instructions, so it's advisable to speak with them beforehand.
How much time does a nanny or a babysitter need to get settled in with the children?
Typically it takes about 30 minutes. This includes the time you need to give them any instructions regarding activities and routines, and it is the right amount of time for the children to get accustomed to them.
What is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?
A nanny is someone who is engaged consistently during your stay.
There is generally a set routine that is followed regularly, including activities, homework, naps, baths and meal times.
A babysitter is someone who is generally looking after the children on an ad-hoc basis.
They will follow your instructions of course, and engage with the children, but it's typically for a few hours.
Most of our babysitters are professional nannies, and can wear both hats.
What kind of checks do nannies and babysitters have to go through?
In the UK, anyone who is involved with looking after children must have a clean DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate.
However this is the bare minimum. Nannies and babysitters should also be fully-vetted and back-ground checked.
At KidSitter, we meet with the individual sitters, conduct ID and address checks, validate their DBS, hold interviews, and conduct at least two reference checks related to childcare.
Most importantly, we do not work with anyone who is not a professional childcare provider.
In other words, our childcarers are professional nannies, teachers, nursery staff, or play-workers.
Can I meet the nanny beforehand?
If you're planning to have a babysitter for one evening or for a few hours during the day, a quick call beforehand should be sufficient.
But if you're looking to hire a nanny for a few days, you can certainly request an in-person meeting with the individual.
How can I book a nanny at my Airbnb?
Email us at airbnb@kidsitter.co.uk and we will arrange it for you. Once we have your details, we will send you the profile of the nanny assigned (resume or CV).
Do you have multi-lingual nannies?
Yes, our nannies collectively speak over 30 languages.
My child has special needs. Do you have nannies with the right experience?
Yes, we have nannies who are experienced with a variety of special needs. Just let us know the details at the time of booking.
How much does it cost?
We quote for bookings based on hours required, location, number of children and other factors. Contact us for a quote and we get back to you very quickly.
What is the minimum number of hours for childcare?
Our required minimum is 4 hours.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel or make changes up to 24 hours prior to start time for no charge. After that, a 4-hour minimum charge applies in case of cancellation.
Do we need to pay for a taxi for the sitter?
No, taxi fare is not required unless the booking ends at midnight or after.
What if we book for less hours but need the babysitter for longer?
Babysitters are generally ok to stay up to an hour longer. However, this isn't always possible.
So, it is best to book as accurately as possible. If you know you will need some flexibility, please mention this at the time of booking.
If it's unforeseen, please let them know as soon as you know you're running late. Additional time will be charged later on a pro-rated basis.
What if we book for more hours but end up releasing the babysitter earlier than scheduled?
We will charge for the originally booked duration even if you let the babysitter go early.
How can I contact the nanny or babysitter?
Once you've paid, we shall share the nanny or babysitter's contact details.
