Introduction
As parents you have the responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of your children. As a result it is important that you think very carefully about the person you are going to leave them with, whether this is a stranger, close relative or a friend.
When you leave your child in the care of someone else you are taking a risk with his or her safety and welfare. When considering a temporary carer for your child it is important to choose someone with the abilities and high standards that you would expect of yourself. This includes someone who will make sure they are fed, changed, kept safe, given room to play, feel secure and can deal with difficulties which may occur.
Generally a babysitter will come to your home to take care of your child. Make sure you talk to your babysitter before you leave. Let them have contact details for you in case of emergencies and tell them when you expect to be back.
Babysitters do not need qualifications or a certificate to look after children. As a result anyone can advertise his or her services as a babysitter. The children's legal centre and the NSPCC recommend that the minimum age of a babysitter should be 16 years. This is based on the idea that at 18 and above, an individual is much more aware of potential dangers and risks and could seek help quickly if necessary. This age limit is also linked with the possible action which could be taken by police if anything goes wrong and an injury results. It is most likely that you as a parent would be held responsible if anything goes wrong if your babysitter is under 16 years of age.
Often a good babysitter will have a good reputation locally and can be recommended by a friend or neighbour. However, it is essential that you meet personally with the prospective babysitter before you decide to leave your child in their care.
In summary
- Ensure your babysitter can be contacted in an emergency and that you can be contacted likwise. Discuss from the beginning procedures for all accidents and incidents
- Avoid leaving your child with someone under 16
- Use people you trust to care for your child or ask them to recommend someone
- Speak to other families who have used the babysitter you are considering. Select your babysitter carefully
- Make sure you are completely comfortable about your babysitter before you leave your child in their care
- Make sure your child gets the best quality care - your child has the right to care and to be free from harm
For further information and advice see the 'Other websites' section on this page.
Helpline telephone numbers
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA): 0121 248 2000