Our sitters come from a wide range of backgrounds and include nursery nurses, teachers, mums, students with babysitting experience and childminders. Currently there is no government legislation on babysitting; however all sitters selected for our agency have to undergo a strict vetting procedure before they are allowed to babysit.

• Referenced - each sitter must have two written references which I receive directly. The referees must have known the sitters for a minimum of three years. Immediate family members are excluded as referees. The reference must contain written comments on the prospective sitters' ability and skills in relation to children. I do not accept references on a verbal or email basis and parents are more than welcome to view the references. If the sitter is not in a childcare role or a mum, I ensure references are from people they have either babysat for, or previously worked along side in a child care environment.
• CRB checked - this must be issued within the previous two years of joining the agency, a copy is taken for our file. We will occasionally accept a CRB check that is more than two years old if the sitter is still in the job that the original CRB was requested for. We will always ask for proof of this.
• Required to provide photo identification, passport or driver's license, again a copy is taken.
• Interviewed by me to ensure I am happy with them and would trust them to look after my own children.
• Over 18 years old and have their own transport, so you will not be asked to contribute to lifts home or to pay for taxis.

Once a sitter has joined the agency we complete a sitter information card (example below), which is emailed to you once she/he has been allocated to sit for you.





I am extremely proud of the way the agency has grown and developed. I believe I have the most reliable and dedicated sitters in our area. Equally, the sitters appear to enjoy being involved with the agency and the following are some of their comments about their work.

Sophie, 32, Teacher
I joined The Babysitting Agency four years ago and I have stayed with them because of the consistent amount of work they offer and the speed and efficiency that Sue works with is second to none.

I have experienced other local and national babysitting agencies and they pale in comparison to The Babysitting Agency and suffice to say, I am no longer with them, just Sue!

I couldn't want for a better agency. Thanks so much!

Helen, 40, Nursery teacher
As a nursery teacher who enjoys company of young children, it made sense to join a Babysitting Agency when I needed to supplement my income. I thought I'd babysit for a couple of years, but am still here eight years later!

I'm always impressed with how Sue manages bookings, combining the professional efficiency with a lovely personal touch. She does her utmost to link families and sitters so that we build up relationships over time. Through repeat bookings there are children I've seen grow from toddlers to starting secondary school!

Sue even takes into consideration everyone's personal preferences she remembers which sitters are happy to do very late bookings, and which, like me, love both children and animals! I'd recommend the Babysitting Agency to families and babysitters alike, and hope to be babysitting with them for at least another eight years!