FAQ for sitters
Joining KidSitter, the documents we verify, how references are collected, and how you get work. Free to join, and you keep 100% of your rate.
How do I join KidSitter as a sitter?
Apply through Work with Us. You give your contact details, verify your phone number, set your hourly rate and build your profile. Our team then reviews your documents before your profile goes live to parents.
Does it cost anything to work through KidSitter?
No. Joining KidSitter as a sitter is free, there is no commission and no booking fee. You keep 100% of the rate you agree with the family.
What documents do I need to go live?
You need an approved enhanced DBS certificate, photo ID and proof of address. First aid certificates, qualifications and references are optional but they make your profile far more attractive to parents. Every document is reviewed by our team and only the verified status is shown publicly.
Do I need a DBS check?
Yes. A valid enhanced DBS certificate is required before any sitter profile can be published on KidSitter. If you do not have one yet, we send guidance on how to apply when you start your application.
How long does approval take?
Most applications are reviewed within two working days once all documents have been uploaded. You can track exactly what is outstanding in your Sitter Hub, and we send reminders if something is missing.
How do references work?
You give us your referee's name and contact details, and we request the reference directly from them by email or text. You cannot edit or delete a submitted reference, which is what makes references on KidSitter trustworthy to parents.
How do I set my rate?
You set your own hourly rate when you apply, anywhere between £8 and £45 per hour, and you can change it any time in your Sitter Hub. Parents see your rate on your profile, and you agree the final arrangement directly with the family.
How do I get work?
Parents find you through search, and we also alert you when a parent posts a job near you. You can register your interest in a job, and the parent can then start a conversation with you. Sitters cannot send the first custom message to a parent, which keeps the marketplace free of spam.
Do I get paid through KidSitter?
No. Families pay you directly at your agreed rate. KidSitter introduces you to families and never takes a cut of your earnings.
Can I pause my profile?
Yes. You can pause your profile in your Sitter Hub at any time, for example when you are fully booked or away. Paused profiles are hidden from search and can be reactivated in one click.
What makes a strong sitter profile?
A clear portrait photo, a short intro video, a warm About Me section, your experience with different age groups, your languages and at least two completed references. Profiles with a video and references get noticeably more messages from parents.