Fairmont Southampton has appointed Care@Home Services, a niche domestic staffing firm, as the exclusive provider of babysitting and nanny services for their guests.

“We are so very pleased to have partnered with the Fairmont in the provision of this very delicate service to the Fairmont guest,” Barbara Williams, managing director of Care@Home, was quoted saying in a press release announcing their appointment, which added that their sitter team members all hold full CPR, first aid and basic life support certifications, are security vetted and have at least two years of childcare experience.

“We’ve been placing nannies and housekeepers for the past two years,” she said. “ ... we have catered to a specific niche, (for parents) demanding skilled, reliable and affordable care for their children, and we wondered if there would be an appetite for such a service in our visiting guests. The answer has been a resounding, ‘Yes’.”

Scott Richards, director of rooms at The Fairmont Southampton, stated for the Care@Home release: “The Fairmont Southampton is chiefly concerned with the comfort and safety of our guests. Our in-house Explorers Kids Camp operates on fixed schedules for children five and older. Partnering with Care@Home allows for guests to make childcare arrangements for their younger children, outside of camp hours, or for children who would like personalised attention. Offering an organised and highly-professional babysitting option for our guests is another amenity that allows our guests flexibility and comfort during their stay with us.”

Mr Richards added: “When The Fairmont Southampton decided to partner with Care@Home, we wanted to ensure that we did not displace any existing on-call babysitters that we used.

“Care offered opportunities to all sitters interested in becoming a member of their team, offering full training to more than 25 former on-call babysitters.”

Amy Anderson is the programmes and placement coordinator for Care@Home Services and is responsible for much of the training. She had been an English nanny, and now is a mother herself. “I wanted to help other families find the correct fit. It’s important to ensure that every child has the loving care giver and the security they need.”

Ms Williams explained Ms Anderson’s role includes pairing a sitter or nanny with their client. She said: “You want someone reliable and who you can trust to take care of your children.”

Jackie Wolffe, who was also quoted, has worked for more than ten years as an on-call part time sitter and has now joined the Care@Home team.

She said: “The transition has been great. Care has definitely raised the bar, but I personally appreciate the training received and the opportunity to work at other hotels and even for local resident families on behalf of Care.

“I rely on this part-time income, so this works for me. Amy and her team have been phenomenal to work with.”

The company offers an on-call sitter service to Bermuda residents or visiting family members on an hourly, daily or weekly basis using their online booking platform. Pricing, terms and conditions along with profiles of the sitter team are on www.care-at-home.info

Care@Home are also on Facebook.