A guide to babysitters

A babysitter is someone who will look after your child or children for short periods of time. This is usually in your home and often outside your regular childcare hours.

Babysitters are not considered formal childcare.

The law does not state an age at which young people can babysit. The NSPCC does not recommend asking anyone under 16 to look after a young child. If you use a babysitter who is under 16 years old, you are still legally responsible to ensure that your child comes to no harm. Some young people, even at 16, may not be mature enough to be left to care for children.

The law does not specify an age when a child can be left at home alone. However, parents commit an offence if leaving the child at home alone puts him or her at risk.

• Friends or relatives with children may be able to recommend a babysitter

• There are some national babysitting agencies. There are also some local agencies for nannies and other child care providers. If you use an agency make sure you are clear what checks they have made. Make sure they have followed up on references and ask to see Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

• You could place an advert in your local shop or college, but be sure to thoroughly check any respondents.

• You could use a babysitting circle. This is a group of parents who babysit for each other in exchange for points or tokens.

• No money changes hands

• As long as there are enough members there is usually a sitter available

• It works on a points system so it does not matter if you babysit for a different person to the one who sat for you

• If there is not one in your area you might consider setting up one yourself. This could be with other parents from your child’s school or nursery.

The NSPCC advise: “Follow your instincts. If you have any doubts about a childminder, babysitter or other carer, don’t take them on”. They also say: “Listen to your child. If your child seems to be unhappy about a particular babysitter, find someone else” (NSPCC ‘Home Alone’ leaflet).

• Invite them to meet your child before they babysit for you and see how your child reacts to them.
• Always get at least two references and follow them up. This could be a tutor at college or other parents who have used their services. Try to assess their maturity and their ability to cope in emergency situations.
• Ask questions, such as: What experience do they have? Do they have First Aid knowledge? What are their ideas about discipline? Which television programmes do they consider suitable for children to watch? What would they do in an emergency? etc.
• Any concerns about a babysitter’s suitability should be shared with Social Care Services

Sheffield Local Offer lists special educational needs and disabilities services in Sheffield and who can use them.

Other child care options and advice can be found on the Sheffield Directory.