Hear From the Founders: The Story Behind The Babysitting Collective

At The Babysitting Collective, our mission is simple: to provide parents with trusted, personalised childcare, while creating flexible and rewarding opportunities for babysitters and nannies. But our story didn’t start in a business meeting - it started on the living room floors, playground benches, and storytime sofas!

All four of us have been babysitters ourselves (some of us still are!). We’ve sat through bedtime routines, negotiated with toddlers over broccoli, played endless rounds of hide-and-seek, and read the same bedtime story three nights in a row. Those years shaped not only our love of working with children, but also our understanding of what makes childcare truly work - for both families and carers.

With that in mind, we wanted to offer everyone who visits our website or reads this blog a glimpse into who we are as individuals

Meet Liliana:

For Liliana, working with children has always been a natural fit. “I’ve always loved the energy and honesty that children bring to every interaction - you can’t fake it around them, and they can’t fake it with you.”

A sporty start at The Lady Eleanor Holles School in Middlesex, where she played both netball and lacrosse for the county, taught Liliana the value of teamwork and perseverance. After graduating from the University of Exeter with a BA Hons in Geography and earning a distinction in her Marketing MSc, she worked as a teaching assistant in Putney for three years, gaining her NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualification.

Her combination of hands-on childcare experience and marketing expertise was key in shaping The Babysitting Collective’s vision: “I wanted to create a service that really values its sitters, builds their skills, and matches them carefully with the right families - because happy sitters mean happy children.”

Meet Eleanor:

Eleanor’s path to The Babysitting Collective took her from Shropshire to the Mediterranean. At Shrewsbury High School, she developed a love for music, theatre, and hockey before heading to the University of Leeds for a BA in Business Management.

After graduation, she worked as a superyacht stewardess, travelling across Europe. “It taught me how important it is to adapt quickly to different people and environments - something you definitely need as a babysitter.”

Her experience nannying in Notting Hill made her realise just how valuable it is to connect families with like-minded, trustworthy sitters. “There are so many families looking for reliable childcare, but what’s missing is that extra layer of trust - knowing your sitter isn’t just experienced, but also shares your values. That’s what we wanted to build.”

Meet Madeline:

Growing up in Putney and attending St. Edward’s School in Oxford, Madeline started babysitting at a young age. Those early experiences helped shape her maturity and kindness, qualities that continue to influence how she connects with both children and adults today.

Reading has always been a big part of Madeline’s approach to childcare. “I used to love reading to the little ones. Storytime was always the best part of the evening. Growing up, some of my fondest memories are of my parents or babysitters reading to me, and I think that’s what sparked my love of books and literature.”

Madeline often describes her role as being like a “big sister” to the children she babysat. She believes parents appreciate the energy and enthusiasm she brings into their children’s lives.

“Having someone young who can also act as a role model for their kids to look up to is an important part of babysitting,” she explains. “Babysitting isn’t just about supervising the kids for a few hours - it’s about engaging with them and sometimes teaching them something new.”

As a company, we aim to create the same experience for the families we support - one that’s truly beneficial for the children.

SOME MORE QUESTIONS FOR OUR FOUNDERS

Ella, what inspired you to start The Babysitting Collective?

“Throughout my younger years, babysitting and nannying shaped my sense of responsibility and independence. It was one of the first ways I earned my own money, and it gave me the flexibility to work alongside my studies.

I remember thinking how lucky I was - spending my time doing crafts, playing outside, reading stories with children… and going home with some extra cash in my pocket. Over time, I realised it was more than just a student job; it could be the foundation of a business that not only supports parents, but also provides flexible, fulfilling work for students and other carers.”

Maddie, what makes The Babysitting Collective different from other agencies?

“All four of us have been nannies ourselves (some of us still are!). That means we understand both sides - the babysitter’s perspective and the parent’s.

We’re young enough to relate to our sitters and match them with families in a way that keeps children engaged and happy, but experienced enough to communicate with parents clearly and professionally. At heart, we’re four honest, passionate women who truly love children and take pride in helping parents reclaim some time for themselves.”

Liliana, What’s your favourite babysitting memory?

My favourite memory is the feeling of being 'part of the family' and not just seeing childcare or nannying as a job, but actually something I enjoy. To know that The Babysitting Collective aspires to create the same for other families and nannies fills me with warmth.

Maddie, What advice would you give parents looking for childcare?

“Don’t be afraid to be specific about the kind of babysitter or nanny you want. If you want someone active who will get your children outdoors, say so. If you want someone who can help with homework or teach your children a new skill, let us know.

We pride ourselves on finding the right match for every family. For us, childcare isn’t just about supervision - it’s about finding someone who brings something meaningful and positive to your children’s lives.”

Ella, describe The Babysitting Collective in three words.

“Friendly. Trustworthy. Bespoke.”

Liliana, What’s your go-to activity for entertaining kids?

“Rain or shine, outdoor activities seem to be the best go-to approach for entertaining the kids. Even if it is a simple trip to the local park or swings, I have never had a dull moment or regretted taking them outside. It provides a natural dose of 'sugar' and always lightens the mood.

Maddie, What’s your goal for the next year?

“My goal is to build a true community of families who see The Babysitting Collective as their go-to childcare resource - a safety net they can rely on when life gets busy.

I want it to feel like calling a family friend: warm, dependable, and personal. Every client should feel confident that we’ll find the right person for their needs, every time.”

Ella, Why should a babysitter or nanny join The Babysitting Collective?

“Beyond offering competitive rates, we keep our carers connected and supported. We run a dedicated sitters and nannies Instagram to share updates, answer questions, and help with anything that comes up.

We personally introduce our sitters to families, check in regularly, and make sure they feel comfortable before and during a placement. For us, it’s not just about finding the right person for our clients but also about the right family for our lovely and dedicated carers!”