How do I book a babysitter?

Please either complete the enquiry form on the website or email me at nicci@sillybillyschildcare.com to ask any questions or book your babysitter. Due to the number of families using SillyBillyS! I don’t take enquiries or bookings over the phone, taking bookings via email only ensures that nothing gets missed with your booking.

What does SillyBillyS! charge?

There is a £38 booking fee per babysitter, per day which is payable at the time of booking and covers the variable costs of scheduling your babysitters. Because much of our work is carried out when you book your babysitter, the booking fee is non refundable. The SillyBillyS! booking fee is separate to the fees charged by the babysitters. SillyBillyS! are not responsible for paying your babysitter.

How much notice do you need if I want to book a SillyBillyS! Babysitter?

I will always do my best to meet last minute needs but we do have a finite number of babysitters in each area and we do get booked up, especially during the peak wedding season. If you know you will need childcare then please do book as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment.

How much do SillyBillyS! Babysitters charge?

Each babysitter charges €22 per hour plus a €20 travel fee per day. This should be paid in cash on the day. If someone else is in charge of paying (best man, wedding planner etc) please let the babysitter know at the start of the booking.

Is there a minimum booking?

Each SillyBillyS! Babysitter has a minimum booking of five hours. Babysitters will often need to drive an hour or two each way to your venue and each booking needs to be financially viable for them. A booking of five hours plus means that babysitters are happy to give up their time to care for your little ones.

How many children can my SillyBillyS! Babysitter care for?

The safety of both your little ones and the SillyBillyS! Babysitters is my priority and for this reason, I enforce strict ratios. Each babysitter can care for up to two children under two years of age or three children over two years of age.

What information do you need from me?

At the time of booking I will need to know how many children the babysitter will be caring for and how old each child will be at the time of the booking. I will also need a start and finish time for the babysitter.

In order to provide the best care for your little ones, I will need you to complete a registration form. This will be sent to you at the time of booking and should be returned around four weeks before your booking so that I can pass it on to your babysitter.

Can I change my booking?

SillyBillyS! Babysitters accept bookings with on the basis that they will be earning a certain amount. I am therefore unable to amend bookings without risking losing your babysitter. Your babysitter should be paid for the hours booked if you return earlier than expected. If you wish to extend the hours booked once the sit has started, please discuss this with your SillyBillyS! babysitter.

Can I add an extra day?

Yes of course, as long as we have availability. Please ensure that all bookings are made through SillyBillyS! and not directly with your babysitter.

How do you select SillyBillyS! Babysitters?

All SillyBillyS! Babysitters are thoroughly vetted prior to joining our team. They will all have completed a detailed application form, have been interviewed by one of our team and will have submitted proof of ID and address.

We are ideally looking for people who can offer a long term commitment to SillyBillyS! and many of our babysitters have been with us for years.

Will my SillyBillyS! Babysitter be a childcare professional?

Whilst some of our babysitters come from a background of working professionally with children, many of our babysitters are Parents or Grandparents and have demonstrated their knowledge and affinity of little ones in this way before joining our team.

Will my babysitter have a DBS?

Our SillyBillyS! Babysitters are resident in France and so are unable to obtain a DBS. They all hold a clear Bulletin 3 which is the French equivalent of the DBS and is updated regularly.

Can I meet my SillyBillyS! Babysitter beforehand?

It is not usually practical for your babysitter to meet you beforehand. `They are often very busy with multiple clients, especially during wedding season. They may also have to travel an hour or two each way to get to your venue so it is not financially viable for them to travel to meet you. For this reason, I suggest that you book your babysitter to start around 30 minutes before you need to leave so that you have plenty of time to get to know one another and complete a handover.

How many hours will my SillyBillyS! Babysitter work?

Our babysitters are used to working long hours, especially during the busy wedding season. If you’re unsure, just pop me an email and I can advise.

Will my SillyBillyS! Babysitter work after midnight?

Yes, our babysitters are used to working into the early hours. I ask that you’re respectful of their need to drive home at the end of the booking and ask that you return at the time stated at the time of booking.

Can I have the same SillyBillyS! Babysitter if my booking is for multiple days or nights?

I will always strive to provide you with the same babysitter for the duration of your booking. However I am unable to guarantee this, especially during the peak wedding season.

Does my SillyBillyS! Babysitter need accommodation?

In most instances your babysitter will drive to and from your venue to care for your little ones. If you are booking a babysitter or nanny for multiple days or are asking your babysitter to work late and then again early the following morning, it may be necessary to provide accommodation for your babysitter. This will all need to be arranged in advance.