for parents
Childcare you can actually trust
Every sitter is DBS-checked, experienced, and interviewed by us — in person, every time.
our sitters
The right person for your family
Every single sitter — whichever tier you choose — is DBS-checked, interviewed face-to-face, and reference-verified by us personally. What changes between tiers isn't how safe your child is; it's the depth of experience behind the care.
Standard
Bright, warm, and just getting started
Full of energy and genuine care, our Standard sitters are often taking their first steps into a childcare career — many already grounded in a nursery or primary school setting. What they bring in experience they more than make up for in warmth and enthusiasm for your children.
Experienced
Steady hands, real know-how
Qualified, confident, and deeply familiar with the rhythm of family life. Our Experienced sitters hold Level 2 or 3 childcare qualifications and bring 2–5 years spent in early years or school settings — many also fluent in skills like Makaton, ready to connect with your child in the way that suits them best.
Specialist
Rare expertise, right at home
For families who want something extraordinary. Our Specialist sitters bring 6+ years of hands-on experience, often alongside real depth in areas like SEN, speech and language, sleep training, or behaviour management — many have led nursery or school teams, or hold a teaching degree in their own specialism.
Not sure who's the right fit? That's exactly what we're here for. Tell us a little about your family when you enquire, and we'll recommend the sitter who feels right for you.
the process
How it works
Enquire
Tell us what you need through a quick form — no booking, no commitment.
We're in touch
We'll email you within one business day to talk through options and find the right sitter.
Confirm your sitter
Once matched, we'll send your booking confirmation with all the details.
Pay securely
You'll receive a secure payment link ahead of your booking — no card details handled by us directly.
What it costs.
Everyone asks this first, so here is the honest version before you have to pick up the phone.
Ask for a rate card →There is nothing to pay to talk to us. No registration fee, no charge for a shortlist, and no cost if you decide we are not the right fit.
Families
An hourly rate, set by the practitioner’s experience and the hours you need. You see it before you meet anyone.
Nurseries & schools
Day rates for cover, a fee on permanent placements. Quoted in writing before anything is confirmed.
We check in, with care
Because everyone in your village deserves to feel looked after.
Every booking comes with a warm, friendly check-in — because peace of mind shouldn't stop at the front door. We make sure your little one is happy and settled, and that our sitter feels supported too. It takes a village, after all — and that means looking after everyone in it, not just the child.
Because looking after your child means looking after their sitter too.
The Village Way
A genuinely different model
Here's how we compare for everyday, ad-hoc bookings. We're not just an introduction service, and we're not just a booking platform.
| Little Village Co | Industry Standard | Independent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Fixed hourly rate by tier + £3 flat fee | Booking fee or marked-up hourly rate | No fee — but no support either |
| Vetting | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Clear tier system | Standard, Experienced, or Specialist — you always know which one you're getting | Sometimes | ✕ |
| Matched to your child's needs | ✓ | Sometimes | ✕ |
| We're the legal employer | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Payroll, tax, NI & pension | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Public liability insurance | ✓ | Varies | ✕ |
| Employers' liability insurance | ✓ | Rare | ✕ |
| Welfare & safety check-ins | Regular check-ins on your child and the environment, every first booking with a new professional | ✕ | ✕ |
| Verified to drive, if needed | Only with the correct business insurance, checked and proven by us | Varies | ✕ |
| Specialist SEND care | ✓ | Rare | ✕ |
| Develops, not just supervises | ✓ | Rare | Depends who you find |
We take on the real legal responsibility of employing our professionals — so you don't have to.
Looking for an ongoing nanny placement, or staffing for a nursery or school? Those work differently — dedicated pages for each are coming soon.
We are launching soon.
Join the waitlist.
Tell us what you need and we will be in touch the moment we launch near you.
Founding families get first access when we launch in their area, plus £3 off every booking for their first three months with us.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Ten things families ask us most. Anything else, just ask.
Get in touch →01What ages do you cover?
We support children aged 0 to 16, including specialist care for children with additional needs.
02What happens after I submit an enquiry?
We'll review what you need and reply by email, usually within one business day, to talk through options and find the right match. No obligation to book until you're ready.
03How much does it actually cost?
Your rate depends on your sitter's tier — Standard, Experienced, or Specialist — plus a flat £3 booking fee on every booking, whichever tier you choose. We pay all our sitters the National Minimum Wage and above, based on their experience and qualifications, so more skill and training means better pay for them and the right level of care for you. Enquire and we'll confirm your exact rate straight away.
04Is there a minimum booking length?
Yes — all bookings have a 3-hour minimum, in line with standard industry practice, so your sitter has proper time to settle in and give your child their full attention.
05How do I know my sitter is actually who they say they are?
Every sitter goes through an enhanced DBS check, ID and right-to-work verification, and two independently verified references — checked and confirmed by us, not just uploaded and trusted.
06Can I meet the sitter before I actually need them?
Yes — we encourage it. You're welcome to arrange an introductory meeting or call before your first booking, so you feel completely comfortable before care begins.
07Can we request the same sitter again?
Yes — many families build an ongoing relationship with a sitter they trust. Let us know at enquiry stage and we'll always try to match you with them first, subject to availability. Consistency matters when it comes to who's looking after your children.
08What if something goes wrong during a booking?
You can reach us directly, and we take any concern seriously and investigate it. Sitters are required to notify us of any safeguarding issue immediately, and we act on it — including removing a sitter from our sitter network where needed.
09What happens if my sitter cancels last minute?
We'll do everything we can to find a suitable, vetted replacement. This is exactly why we keep a network rather than relying on a single sitter per family.
10Is my payment and personal information safe?
Yes — once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a secure payment link by email, already set to your exact total. Your card details are processed securely and never stored by us, and we handle all your personal data in line with UK GDPR.