What is a babysitter?
A babysitter is someone who looks after your children in your home for a short period of time.
What is the law regarding babysitters?
There is no minimum age below which a young person may not lawfully babysit although the NSPCC recommend 16 as a minimum. Parents or carers must ensure the person asked to babysit is capable and will provide adequete care for the child otherwise both the parents or carers and the babysitter risk prosecution for cruelty or neglect.
How much do babysitters charge?
The amount charged will vary but should always be agreed before any babysitting takes place. The cost can depend on the age and experience of the sitter as well as the time and day of the week.
Do babysitters need qualifications and should they be registered?
Most sitters will not have formal qualifications; however you should be looking for someone who has had experience with children. Wiltshire College run short courses for babysitters and the Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance offer basic first aid sessions. There is no need for registration as the care is taking place in the child's own home.
How do I find a babysitter?
Personal recommendation is always preferable so talk to friends, relatives and neighbours. There may be a babysitting circle operating in your area which is a reciprocal arrangement between parents. You can place an advert in the local shop, college (where they run childcare courses), secondary school (6th form common room) or free newspaper. The Family Information Service (08457 585072) has details of childminders who are prepared to babysit.
How do I choose a babysitter?
Explaining the house rules.
- It is important to discussyour child/ren's routine and any preferences with the baby sitter.
- Let the babysitter know if your child/cren are allowed downstairs if they wake.
- Make it clear if the babysitter can bring a friend, computer game or a DVD into your home.
Would a babysitter be able to cope in an emergency?
Luckily emergencies are rare; however you need to be confident your babysitter could cope. Let your sitter know where you are and also leave the contact details of a neighbour or close friend. It may also be worth producing an emergency card with details like where the mains electricity is, how to turn off the water, and anything else you think might help.
What are my responsibilities?
- To return at the agreed time or ring if you are going to be more than 30 minutes late.
- To give the sitter enough information about the child/ren, your home and its idiosyncrasies, such as the noises the central heating makes.
- To make certain your child/ren are well before you leave. Caring for a sick child is not the role of a babysitter.
- To provide some suitable refreshments.
- To escort the babysitter home or provide a taxi.
- To ensure your child/ren are not left in a potentially dangerous situation, you need to feel comfortable and happy with your choice of babysitter - follow your instincts.
