New Childcare Matching Service Coming To The Peak District

Borrow A Village is building a network of local babysitters and childcare providers to help families find the right support, without the endless searching.

Finding a babysitter in the Peak District isn’t always straightforward. Whether it’s an evening out, a wedding, a work commitment or simply a few hours to yourself, knowing where to start - and who to trust - can be one of the biggest hurdles.

A new childcare matching service, Borrow A Village, is hoping to make that process easier for local families.

Founded by Peak District mum of two Jen Bell, the service is being built around a simple idea: parents explain what they need, and Borrow A Village helps find a suitable childcare provider, rather than leaving families to search through profiles and contact multiple people themselves.

The service will also arrange bookings and payment, removing another bit of the admin that often comes with organising childcare.

A more personal way to find childcare

“Parents don’t necessarily need hundreds of profiles to choose from,” says Jen. “Sometimes they just need someone they can trust to help them find the right person.

“Childcare can be one of those things that sounds simple until you actually need to arrange it. You might be trying to find someone for a wedding, a night out, a work commitment or just a few hours to yourself, and suddenly it becomes another job on your to-do list.”

Borrow A Village is currently building its network of experienced babysitters, nannies and other childcare providers across the Peak District and surrounding areas.

The service is being developed around a personal onboarding process, including conversations with providers and checks relating to identity, experience, references, DBS and paediatric first aid. Providers will need to meet the service’s requirements before being offered bookings.

Building a village for local families

For families living in rural areas, childcare can be particularly difficult to arrange. Friends and relatives may not live nearby, and finding someone available for an occasional evening or weekend can take time.

Jen hopes Borrow A Village will offer another option, while also creating opportunities for experienced local childcare providers who would like additional work.

“I want Borrow A Village to make that process feel easier and more personal,” she says. “It’s about helping families find the support they need, while creating opportunities for experienced local childcare providers who would like additional work.”

Launching this autumn

Borrow A Village will initially launch in Sheffield and Chesterfield on 1st October, with the Peak District planned to follow from 1st November.

Families can already register their interest, while babysitters, nannies and other experienced childcare providers are invited to apply to join the network.

Find out more or register your interest at borrowavillage.co.uk.