UNIVERSITY students at Oxford have found an unusual way of funding their studies… by looking after children.

Student Nannies is a service designed to match those studying with parents in need of childcare.

Kelsey Frenkiel, 23, Ellie Darbey, 25, and Tori Broom, 19, who all study in Oxford, came across the service while studying and now use it to fund their time at university.

Ellie Darbey is studying primate conservation at Oxford Brookes University after graduating from Cardiff University in Zoology, in which she took part in one year's research on monkeys in South Africa.

She said: “I have baby-sat since I was about 16, on and off throughout school and in university holidays. I have always found it fun and enjoyed getting to know the children and families.”

Kelsey Frenkiel, an American student is also studying primate conservation and is a student nanny.

She said: “I have a niece and many small cousins so I have a lot of experience with children.

“I have also always had pets, so if you are in need of a pet sitter I would love to do that too.”

Second year occupational therapy undergraduate at Oxford Brookes, Tori Broom, said: “I have experience working with young children, teenagers and young adults as a playworker and group leader for a national charity – action for children, and a smaller charity called White Lodge.

“This predominantly has involved work with children on the autism spectrum or similar disabilities.

“As a result of this and my course, I have had training in paediatric and emergency first aid.

“I am looking forward to many exciting new fun experiences and opportunities this website will give me.”

Founder Tracey Blake, 41, studied journalism at Bournemouth University and set up the project to help with the 'juggling act' of being a parent to two children, Minnie, 7, and Monty, 4.

Explaining the initiative the Princes Risborough, in Buckinghamshire, resident said: “For working parents, school holidays can be a childcare nightmare.

“I know, because my daughter Minnie started school in September 2014, and I performed a juggling act of favours, play dates, help from my mum and, frankly, got through reception on a wing and a prayer.

“There has to be an easier answer, I thought. Which is when I hit upon the idea of Student Nannies.

“It is a service created for working parents by working parents, in a bid to make the juggle between a parent and having a career just a little bit less of a struggle.

“If we can make life less stressful for parents and students we will be cock-a-hoop.”

To get involved visit studentnannies.com