Two mums tell us how they banish the babysitting blues!

• 'Sitters matched our requirements perfectly'
• 'Little Stars are professional, understanding and caring'

When Louise Bell, mother of Robert, six, and Catherine, three, moved with her husband from Swindon to Poole, finding Sitters proved to be a godsend...

"When we moved to Poole it meant that we had to leave behind our family and friends and effectively start all over again. A friend in Swindon had recommended Sitters, so I thought I would give them a try. The process was really easy, we called the agency up and after finding out what we wanted, they also noted details about our children. My son Robert, for example, is really, really shy and doesn't like strangers.

"Sitters then got back to us with a babysitter who matched our requirements perfectly - a lovely woman called Gail, who is actually a social worker. Anyway, she came to meet us and it was amazing how the children, even Robert, warmed to her immediately.

"Now, whenever we need a babysitter all we need to do is email Sitters and they email us back with confirmation. Up to now, we've always requested Gail and she's fortunately been available, but I would have absolute confidence in whoever Sitters recommended. The other good thing is that the babysitter telephones you about 45 minutes before she is due to arrive, which just gives us that extra peace of mind. It's been brilliant and in terms of our social life an absolute godsend."

'Little Stars are professional, understanding and caring'

Kate Collins, moved from Oxford to London with her husband and baby daughter Martha, aged one. She was looking for a babysitter who could pick up Martha from nursery and step in for the odd night out. Here's how Little Stars helped...

"Moving to London with a small baby was a pretty traumatic experience and Martha was particularly affected. A shy child anyway, she became really anxious and fractious. As I work from home, I was looking for someone, who besides babysitting for us one evening a week, could pick up Martha from nursery or the childminder, say once every couple of weeks.

"I tried a few agencies, but Little Stars was the one I decided to go with because they had that personal touch, plus their aim is to find you the perfect person and then it's up to you and that person to make all further arrangements directly.

"After talking through what my needs were, Little Stars came back with two candidates, who were both really good. The lady we eventually chose is a qualified nanny and Martha really took a shine to her. It works really well because I can contact her as and when I need her. But saying that, Little Stars regularly call me up to make sure that I'm happy and everything is running smoothly.

"Another bonus was that when I chose this lady, Little Stars told the other candidate that she hadn't got the position, which was a great relief for me because I did feel a bit awkward. I can honestly say that this agency and the way they work is fantastic. They're not only professional and understanding but, most importantly, caring too."

By Justina Haesaerts

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