www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Families - babysitting services - information
Summary of Service
There is no law which states the minimum age that a child can be left alone but it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts the child at risk. The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) recommend that most children under 13 should not be left for more than a short period and that no child under 16 should be left overnight. They suggest that parents consider the following before deciding to leave a child alone:
- The age of the child
- The child's level of maturity and understanding
- The place where the child will be left
- How long the child will be left alone, and how often
- Whether or not there are any other children in the household
Details of Service
Further advice on good practices when leaving children alone can be obtained by looking at the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents website or the NSPCC website or by ringing the NSPCC helpline on 0800 800 5000.
As babysitters are not "registered" and there are no regulations to govern this type of childcare, we do not hold lists of people. However, you can search for Childcare provision in your local and surrounding area by visiting the government's ChildcareLink website.
If you are considering using a local person we would stress that babysitters should be over 16 years of age and be able to provide two referees for you to talk to before making a decision. Follow your gut instinct and that of your child. If you or your children don't like the person - don't use them. Should you use a babysitting agency, it is important that you are clear as to how they vet their sitters, for example, do they interview and take up references and do they complete a CRB check (Criminal Records Bureau).
| A to Z Names | Families - babysitting services - information, Families - babysitting services - information |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Babysitting service |
| PID No. | 250 |
| IPSV Category | Child care |
| Level 1 Name | Families - babysitting services - information |
| IPSV ID | 140 |
