Frequently Asked Questions
I am unsure of leaving my children with someone I have not met before?
What time does the service start and do babysitters stay after midnight?
Do the babysitters charge different amounts at different times of the year?
Q Why do you charge both subscription and booking fees?
A The simple reason for this is because it's the fairest way of charging families for the service provided. Some families use Abtots' service every week, others may only call on us a few times a year. Your membership covers the fixed cost of attracting, interviewing and reference checking sufficient babysitters to provide a reliable service in your locality. Booking fees cover the costs involved in scheduling a babysitter for you when you want one
Q What happens when I book a babysitter through Abtot?
A We will find you a babysitter that suits your needs, we will do this by finding out as much about your children as we need to know. For example if you have a young baby we will ensure that the babysitter has experience of that age group.
Once we have found you a suitable babysitter we will call you with their details and brief background information. You always reserve the right to ask us to find someone else.
Q Can I meet the babysitter beforehand?
A We suggest that on your first sitting you arrange for the babysitter to arrive half an hour before you leave. That way you can then introduce her to your family and be in a position to see how well she relates to your children. If the children are ready for bed she could read them a story or if they are older you could start a game together. Our experience is that when you introduce your babysitter in this way children soon feel comfortable.
Our babysitters have been carefully selected and have experience working in the childcare professions. They have chosen to work with children because they enjoy it - you'll find they are quick to put you and your family at ease. It is usually not practical to meet a sitter before you need her to babysit as she may not be available when you do need a babysitter. If you are very nervous about leaving your child for the first time, why not make your first booking very local and arrive home early.
Q Will I always get the same babysitter every time I book?
A We will always attempt to get you your first choice of babysitter however that is not always possible. In practice families get to know two or three babysitters who can then cover the majority of their bookings.
Q I am unsure of leaving my children with someone I have not met before?
A This is a perfectly normal response, we only recruit people who have been properly referenced and have had experience of working with children, we are aware of how important your children are to you. We will always let you know the persons name and background before we assign them, so you can have the final say. If you have any questions just call us and we will be able to help put your mind to rest.
Q How do you check babysitters' references?
A We hold written references for all our babysitters we also take up verbal references with previous childcare employers. This allows us to gain a fuller understanding of a babysitters' character and past employment.
Q Do I have to pay the babysitter for travelling time?
A No, although we do ask that you pay them for the time they have been looking after your children rounded up to the next half hour.
Q Do you offer the service away from our home?
A Yes, we can provide a babysitter for you if you are staying at a Hotel or at a friends / relations house.
Q Do I have to pay transport costs for the babysitter?
A The majority of the babysitters have their own transport, however in some cases, more often in London after public transport finishes this may be necessary, if this is the case it will be discussed and agreed with you prior to the booking.
Q What do you mean by professional childcare experience?
A All Abtot babysitters have experience in professional childcare employment. Most have worked as qualified nannies, nursery nurses in playgroups and nursery schools or as registered childminders. We also have teachers, social workers and nurses on our database.
Q Why is there a minimum booking of three hours ?
A We have to ensure that babysitters are willing to give up their evening to look after your children. In our experience the combination of the hourly rate and the minimum booking of three hours provides the balance required to ensure our professional babysitters are prepared to attend your bookings
Q Is there a maximum number of children per babysitter?
A Yes we feel that to keep the quality of care we expect from our babysitters, 2 children under 3 years old and a maximum total of 5 under 14 is right, providing that they are all siblings. That's not to say you can not have more than one babysitter.
Q Is an overnight service available?
A Yes, this will be subject to availability of a suitable babysitter in your area. We would need some notice if this service was needed. Please contact us directly for more details.
Q How much notice do you need if I want to book a babysitter?
A We'll always try to meet those spontaneous last minute needs - even if we're given as little as four hours notice. However, thankfully, most bookings are made with three or more days notice and we're quite happy to take your bookings two or three months ahead. The more notice you give us the better your chance of booking your preferred babysitter before someone else does.
Q What time does the service start and do babysitters stay after midnight?
A Most of our babysitters have commitments to their own families so they are usually available to babysit for you from 7pm. It is often possible to arrange babysitting to start earlier if we are able to give the babysitter a few days notice. Most babysitters are prepared to sit until close to midnight or occasionally even later.
We are happy to consider any booking if something unusual occurs, we may be able to help out if you need a baby sitter in the morning or afternoon, pick up the phone and ask us.
Q Do the babysitters charge different amounts at different times of the year?
A The only time this happens is on special occasions, such as Christmas, New Year and Valentines Night, the charges would be discussed at the time of booking.