020 3633 3957    07469 993157
 stephanie@jigsawbabysitting.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

Q: How much notice is needed to book a sitter?
A: Some parents book well in advance while others give a couple of days notice. We sometimes get requests with only a few hours notice and will always try to organise a sitter for you. We ask that you book before 2pm to secure a sitter for that evening (or 2pm on Friday for a weekend booking) although we may be able to help you with shorter notice. We recommend that you book as far ahead as possible to ensure your favourite sitters are available. We are also happy to take a regular advance block booking.

Q: Can I meet the sitter beforehand?
A: Some of our new parents like this extra peace of mind before leaving their children, especially for the first time. We recommend that you book the sitter to arrive 30 mins earlier than you wish to leave. This allows you to meet them, run through any routines and meet the children (the sitter's usual fees apply).
We also offer a 'Meet your Babysitter' service to give you the extra reassurance of meeting your sitter before you leave your children in our care. You can book for your sitter to visit you for an hour so you can all get to know each other. The fee for this service is £10 to your babysitter (and the standard booking fee) Please remember each sitter has been carefully selected and interviewed before joining the agency then carefully matched to your family so we expect you to be happy.

Q: Can I have the same sitter when I book?
A: We will always attempt to arrange your preferred sitter(s) for you. The more notice you can give us for bookings, the easier it is to secure your requested sitter(s). For regular events we advise a block booking so we can secure your preferred sitter.

Q: What is the earliest and latest I can have a sitter?
A: Our sitters are flexible and varied but as a rule evening sitters start at 7pm (for example, they may have a daytime job or their own family commitments). Most of our sitters are prepared to babysit until midnight and some can offer later finishing times.
We appreciate you giving us an approximate time when you book to allow us to match you with a suitable sitter (eg a mum with young children may be reluctant to sit until 3am) and also for security purposes the sitter can let their family know what time they will be home.
We can also arrange overnight sittings in certain circumstances - we ask that you call us to discuss these in person as both you and our sitter need to be comfortable with them staying in your home overnight. Special rates will apply - available on request.

Q: I want to leave my family with a sitter for the first time. How do I get started ?
A: It can be hard to leave your child with a sitter for the very first time and parents ask us how to get started. For your first booking we recommend that you book your babysitter an hour before you go out - you can use this time to all get to know each other. We find it helps to go somewhere fairly local so you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can pop home if need be. Finally, call or text your babysitter during the booking - our babysitters are professional childcarers and will be happy to reassure you throughout.

Q: Is there a maximum number of children per babysitting?
A: We follow the Ofsted guidelines and recommend two babysitters if there are more than two children under one year old, three under five years old or more than five children in total. We ask that all children to be included in a sitting are registered with us. Please contact us if you wish to include additional children on your booking

Q: What is a DBS check and how do I get one?
A: The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a government department that helps employers prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). We verify that all our sitters hold valid DBS certification ie they have been through this government vetting procedure.

We can provide a DBS check for you at a cost of £56 - call us if you need help.

Q: Do you offer babysitting in hotels?
A: Yes we do - please call us in office hours

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See what others have to say!
“ It's so easy and we've got a reliable, nice babysitter each time we've asked for one. The babysitters we've had so far have been very good and we're pleased with the service. ”

Sara, Richmond

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