Likeminders works really well - very responsive at short notice and helpful.

Thank you so much!

I use the bubble app for babysitters. I have the same situation where I will often have meetings come up at short notice in the early evening. We have always had such a lovely babysitters that my children have enjoyed spending time with.

You post your requirements on the app and those who are interested in the job apply. You then choose who you'd like from that selection. I've always had really quick responses.

It's very transparent - you see their profile, photo and reviews, and you can link to your school so you can also see who you know that has used the same sitters. (Note that the sitters also get to review you which I think is very fair!)

Another thumbs up for Like Minders here!

Thanks so much, that is really helpful.

We have (almost) always had good luck with LikeMinders, which we used quite intensively years ago, and only once recently.
The "almost" refers to a couple of occasions in the past where the nanny didn't seem particularly engaged with the children, but I had no concerns for their safety, so as it was a matter of covering half a day in an emergency I wasn't too fussed; however, the majority of nannies we had from them were great and broke the ice with the children straight away.
They were quite good at last minute bookings.
Their website explains all the fees; I believe you have to book them for a minimum of 3 hours and you pay a fixed booking fee in addition to the nanny's fees (which you pay to the nanny directly). If you think you might need them more or less regularly it's worth paying the monthly subscription as the one-off fee is quite steep.
 

Hi,

I would like some feedback on using baby sitting agencies' such as Sitters, Likeminders or Hello Mums..or any others that exist that I don't know of

I have a nearly 9 old and a 6 year old and I'm finding I recently get called up at quite late notice to do cover work and it's not always possible for my husband to get in until 7pm without a lot of notice and checking his diary .

Does anyone use these sorts of agencies and do they work? Can you use them for a minimum number of hours? I've always felt odd leaving my children with strangers but I realize they are growing and I need to get on with other aspects of my life and I really don't want to have to have an au pair as I use the spare room as a studio.