Having a husband who works away can be hard. In our ten years together, it’s been like that from day one so it’s something that has always happened. However, my Mom was our main source of childcare as she looked after Charlie when I was working full time, and had planned to look after the girls but that sadly wasn’t to be. I struggle to find childcare, so often end up missing out.
Prior to lockdown, I really got into my fitness with me going to five classes a week but school holidays often proved hard to accommodate as I didn’t have any childcare for my three whilst I attended classes. I am also very limited to being able to do anything of an evening during the week, meaning I often miss out on lots of social gatherings with friends.
I have to admit, that I hadn’t heard of Childcare.co.uk before they got in contact with me, but it seems many others had as the site has 2 million users all utilising the service. I logged on to see how it all works and was amazed by how easy it all is.
The homepage has a simple search function where you select what type of childcare you are looking for, whether that be a babysitter, a childminder, a Nanny or even a doula, there are lots of options to choose from, not just a babysitting service. They are also offering a search function for NHS and keyworkers needing childcare which is such a lovely thing to see, given the current difficult climate. You can even search for virtual tutors too meaning that if you’re struggling with home schooling, there’s an option to get some extra help.
You then enter your location and click search – it’s as easy as that! You can filter your search further if you’re requiring a specific criteria such as a sitter with special needs experience or someone to offer overnight care. It can be tailored to your own individual needs very easily, which is always good as I can’t bear having to type in heaps of information when I just want a quick easy search.
When you have put in your search criteria, thew suitable profiles pop up and give information such as how far away they are from you and a profile about the person that they have shared. At the top is a quick summary of the person and some have reviews from clients and each profile gives you an easy to read summary which lists their experience, such as if they have had a DBS check and/or are Ofsted registered along with if they can drive, offer evenings and/or weekends etc.
Underneath, the information goes into more depth about the person, their experience, their qualifications and then their availability and what they can offer such as school holidays only and the times they operate. I also was pleased that their fees are included, as there’s nothing worse than garnering all the information only to be told they charge an extortionate amount so I like that you have all the information without having to go back and forth for days trying to establish basic facts. It is all infront of you after juts a very simple easy search!
I like that there is also a reviews section; I know these are a bit marmite for some people but I find them reassuring and always like to read feedback. We live in a very rural small town, so wasn’t expecting to find anyone on the list locally as it’s often just big towns and cities but was impressed to find a number of candidates suitable.
Childcare.co.uk is incredibly useful for last minute/emergency childcare as well as the longer-term childcare as families need can change, especially when younger siblings sstart nursery and school and parents head back to work. I know that if we find ourselves needing childcare, that Childcare.co.uk is a safe, professional place to find someone to help us out, and it being so user friendly is a massive bonus in my book.
What do you think, have you used Childcare.co.uk before?
B xx
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