Safe Parenting Handbook (PDF 1.07 Mb) - Department of Health ...

WARNING SIGNSChildren rely on their parents for their safetyYour child has the right to care which is free from harmMake sure your child gets the best quality careSelect your babysitter carefullyAvoid leaving your child with someone aged under 16Ensure your babysitter can contact you in an emergencywho can I leave my child with?“Leaving Natalie with anyone is difficult, but I really need to have a breaksometimes. I would worry all the time if I could not rely on and trust the personlooking after my child. I’m really glad I spent the time I did finding the right babysitter.”Children will notalways be able totell you if somethingis wrong, so notechanges in theirmood, behaviourand physicalappearance. Agreewith the babysitterto discuss, fromthe beginning,all accidentsand incidents.ACTIONWHAT TO SAY PREVENTION CONTACTSUse people you Tell the babysitter Make sure you • Royal Society fortrust to care for all about your feel completely the Prevention ofyour child or ask child’s routine comfortable about Accidents (RoSPA)them to recommend and their likes your babysitter before 028 9050 1160someone. Speak to and dislikes. you leave your child • NSPCCother families who Tell the babysitter in their care. 0808 800 5000have used the about your rules,for guidelinesbabysitter you such as notare considering. smacking.Always leave acontact numberin case ofemergencies.As parents you have responsibility for thesafety and well being of your children. As aresult it is important that you think verycarefully about the suitability of any person youare going to leave them with, whether this is astranger, close relative or a friend.When you leave your child in the care ofsomeone else you are relying on that person toensure your child’s safety and welfare. Whenconsidering a temporary carer for your child it isimportant that you choose someone with theabilities and high standards that you wouldexpect of yourself. This includes someone whowill make sure your children are fed, changed,kept safe, given room to play and made feelsecure and someone who will be able to dealwith difficulties which may occur.Generally, a babysitter will come to your hometo take care of your child. Make sure you talk toyour babysitter before you leave. Let them knowwhen to expect you back and make sure theyhave contact details in case of emergencies.Babysitters do not need qualifications or acertificate to look after children. As a result,anyone can advertise his or her services as ababysitter. The NSPCC recommend that theminimum age of a babysitter should be 16years of age. This is based on the idea that, at16 and above, an individual is much moreaware of potential dangers and risks and couldseek help quickly if necessary.This age recommendation is also linked withthe possible action which could be taken by thepolice if anything were to gowrong and an injuryresulted. In certaincircumstances, you,as a parent, would beheld responsible ifanything goes wrongif your babysitter isunder 16 years of age.Often a reliable babysitterwill have a goodreputation locally andcan be recommended bya friend or neighbour.However it is essential thatyou meet personally with theprospective babysitter beforeyou decide to leave your child intheir care.45