Terms & Conditions — JSitter

These terms form a binding agreement between you and JSitter ("we", "us", "our"), the operator of the JSitter platform (the "Platform"), which connects parents and guardians ("Clients") with independent babysitters ("Sitters").

If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use the Platform.

We may update these terms from time to time. The current version is always published on our website and applies from the date of publication.

"Sitting Fee" means the fee payable to a Sitter for the childcare services booked through the Platform, as displayed at the time of booking.

"Booking Fee" means the fee payable to JSitter for facilitating the introduction, booking, scheduling and payment services, as displayed at the time of booking.

"Total Price" means the Sitting Fee plus the Booking Fee, as displayed at checkout.

"Booking" means a confirmed reservation of a Sitter for a specific date, time and duration.

JSitter operates an online platform that introduces Clients to independent Sitters. We are not a childcare agency that employs Sitters, and we do not provide childcare ourselves.

The childcare services are provided directly to you by the Sitter, who acts as an independent contractor and is solely responsible for the services provided.

Under every Booking, two separate supplies are made: (a) the Sitting Fee is consideration for the Sitter's childcare services, which we collect on the Sitter's behalf and pass on to the Sitter; and (b) the Booking Fee is consideration for our facilitation services.

We act as a disclosed agent of the Sitter for the collection and transfer of the Sitting Fee only. All other Platform services are provided by us in our own name.

Prices are quoted at checkout and include all applicable taxes.

Payments are processed securely through our third-party payment provider. To secure a Booking, we place a pre-authorisation (hold) on your payment card for the estimated Total Price based on the expected duration.

After the Booking is completed, we capture the amount actually due: the Sitting Fee for the actual duration of the booking (as tracked by the Platform or otherwise agreed), plus the Booking Fee. Any excess held is released automatically to your card.

For Bookings that end later than the booked duration, additional charges apply at the Sitter's displayed rate, subject to your prior in-app approval.

You must keep a valid payment method on file at all times while you have an active Booking.

We may charge for extras only as displayed at checkout or approved by you in the Platform.

There are no cancellation fees. Either a Client or a Sitter may cancel a Booking at any time, free of charge.

If a Sitter cancels your Booking, you can find a new Sitter instantly through the instant booking feature on the Platform.

If a Client cancels a Booking, the Sitter may leave a negative review of the Client. If a Sitter cancels a Booking, the Client may leave a negative review of the Sitter.

Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5–10 business days, depending on your bank.

Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights, including those under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Sitters are independent contractors and not employees, workers or agents of JSitter. Each Sitter is responsible for their own tax, national insurance and insurance obligations.

We perform identity verification and background checks (including an enhanced DBS check where applicable) before permitting a Sitter to accept Bookings. However, we do not supervise Sitters and the Client remains responsible for making their own assessment of a Sitter's suitability, including through meet-and-greet options offered in the Platform.

Sitters must comply with our Sitter Code of Conduct, safeguarding policy and all applicable law.

We may suspend or remove a Sitter from the Platform at our discretion where we reasonably believe these terms, our policies or the law have been breached.

You must be at least 16 years old and have parental responsibility for, or lawful authority over, every child to whom a Booking relates.

You must provide accurate information about the booking, including the number of children, their ages, medical conditions, allergies and any special needs.

You must ensure a safe home environment and remain reachable throughout the Booking.

You must not book a Sitter for any purpose other than childcare.

Bookings must be made through the Platform. Clients and Sitters must not circumvent the Platform's booking and payment systems. If you cancel a Booking and rebook the same Sitter outside the Platform, you may be charged the Booking Fee that would have applied.

Safeguarding children is our highest priority. We operate a safeguarding policy aligned with UK statutory guidance, and all reports of concern are handled by our Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Suspected abuse, neglect or endangerment will be reported to the relevant authorities in accordance with our legal duties.

Both Clients and Sitters must immediately report any safeguarding concern through the Platform.

The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

The Sitter is responsible for the childcare services provided. To the fullest extent permitted by law, JSitter is not liable for the acts or omissions of Sitters, except where we have failed to meet our own obligations under these terms or applicable law.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, for fraud, or for any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Subject to clause 9.3, our total liability arising out of or in connection with the Platform is limited to the greater of (a) the Total Price of the Booking concerned, or (b) £500.

We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss.

You are responsible for the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity under your account.

You must notify us immediately of any unauthorised use.

All rights in the Platform, its content and the JSitter name and branding are owned by us or our licensors. Nothing in these terms transfers those rights to you.

You must not use the Platform unlawfully, harass or abuse other users, scrape or reverse-engineer the Platform, or use it to advertise third-party services.

We may suspend or terminate your account for breach of these terms, safeguarding concerns, or where required by law.

You may stop using the Platform and delete your account at any time, subject to completing any Bookings you have made and paying all sums due.

We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK GDPR / the Data Protection Act 2018. Due to the nature of our services, we process special category data (including children's health data) only where strictly necessary for performing the booking, with appropriate safeguards.

Complaints should be sent to info@jsitter.co.uk. We will acknowledge complaints within 2 business days and aim to resolve them within 14 days.

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.

Nothing in these terms affects your statutory consumer rights, including the right to complain to Trading Standards or (where applicable) an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme.

All prices displayed include any applicable taxes. Sitters are responsible for their own tax and national insurance obligations on the Sitting Fees they receive; JSitter does not withhold or pay taxes on their behalf.