Emergency Childcare members are able to search for their closest registered childminders, save their favourites, and book when they need.
When you need to book a childminder space
What happens after you book a childminder space
1) Local registered childminders are listed
Childminders are shown in order of proximity (as the crow flies) to the postcode entered. Click on a childminder name for more information.
2) Read the childminder's profile
If you're unfamiliar with the childminder, you can read a little about them, their opening times and facilities. We add answers to questions we get asked a lot from parents in a Commonly Asked Questions tab. It’s a handy way to check if you're unsure about something.
3) Enter the day(s) you'd like to request, and for which child
Subject to availability you can book as many days as you require, up to 3 months in advance or with as little as 2 hours' notice. If you need a childminder space on the same day, you may prefer speaking to our team on 0345 241 5307 (7:30am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday).
4) Choose the hours your require
Please note there's a minimum booking time of 4 hours for an emergency childminder. Unlike nurseries, many emergency childminders offer weekend or an extended-hours service. This will vary from childminder to childminder - so we recommend having a look at a number of different childminders in order to find the one that can best accommodate your needs.
5) Confirm any childcare options
If you have any specific requirements, whatever they may be, please remember to let us (and therefore the childminder) know at this stage.
6) Check the costs
Please check the overview of the booking, and the amount owed. If you're happy with the amount, your credit card details are taken. We don't charge your card at this point, it's only after your booking and the hours are confirmed that your card will be debited.
Your confirmation details will be shown on the screen and emailed to you.
7) Alternative childminders
Once you've completed your request, we ask for your alternative childminder (or nursery) preferences in the unlikely event that the one you've selected doesn't have availability. We can then book with your alternative choices on your behalf.
1) The childminder and our team are alerted
The childminder receives a text message and email. They also receive a form corresponding to the one parents get, ensuring that no important issues are overlooked and your child has everything needed for the day.
2) Availability is checked
Our team and system will check with the childminder if they have availability.
3) Your booking is confirmed
Our team will let you know that the childminder has accepted your request, and will be able to take the booking.
In the unlikely event the childminder doesn't have availability our team will book with one of your alternative preferences. You'll be kept informed at every stage of the booking.
4) Your childminder booking takes place
5) After your booking has taken place
Once the childminder booking has been completed, only then will your credit card be debited. This allows flexibility of hours (i.e. you may require the emergency nanny for more/less hours than previously expected) and also ensures that you are happy with the service provided before you pay any money.
6) Let us know how we did
We'll send you an email asking for some feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your booking. We measure ourselves by the feedback we receive from parents.
Wondering what you can expect from an emergency nanny? How to payroll your nanny? Or...? Visit our FAQs for all you need to know about membership, bookings and your service. Frequently Asked Questions