| ou have children, it can seem as though danger | | | | to talk to other parents, too and to follow up |
| lurks around every corner. This sections looks at | | | | recommendations. Unlike babysitting, there are |
| the realities of keeping children safe from harm | | | | regulations governing childcare. Check with your |
| while helping them develop their independence. | | | | state. |
| As parents, we want to make every effort to | | | | For your own peace of mind, it's a good idea to |
| find someone trustworthy to look after our | | | | run through some checks to satisfy yourself that |
| children. When you're searching for a babysitter, | | | | your child is in safe hands. |
| it's a good idea to get recommendations from | | | | Make sure that any person who will be caring for |
| other local parents. Check references carefully - | | | | your child is experienced and well trained and has |
| speak to other families who have used the | | | | the necessary qualifications if required. |
| babysitter, and all other people listed as | | | | Always take up references for carers who'll be |
| references. | | | | caring for your children in your home. |
| Trust your instincts - never use someone you | | | | Visit any out-of-home care setting before you |
| feel uneasy about. If you don't feel comfortable | | | | leave your child there. Think about whether the |
| with the babysitter or carer, why would your | | | | other children seem happy. |
| child? | | | | Ask carers what would happen if there's an |
| Whenever possible, use a babysitter who's over | | | | accident or emergency. Do they contact parents? |
| 16, and who seems mature and sensible. There's | | | | Do they have safety procedures in place? |
| no law to cover this, but both the NSPCC and the | | | | Make sure the carer knows the only people |
| Children's Legal Centre recommend 16 as the | | | | allowed to collect your child. |
| minimum age. Under this age they can't be held | | | | Babies and very young children probably won't be |
| legally responsible for any harm that happens to a | | | | able to tell you if you something has gone wrong |
| child. | | | | while you were away. Even slightly older children, |
| Babysitters aren't required to have qualifications | | | | who do have language, mignt not be able to |
| of any kind, but you may feel more comfortable | | | | explain if something has happened. |
| using someone with knowledge of first aid and | | | | Look out for any changes in your child's behaviour |
| child development. | | | | or mood. Always ask the babysitter or carer for |
| Allow time to meet and talk to the babysitter | | | | an explanation if your child has a cut, bruise or |
| before leaving your child with them. Explain | | | | other injury. |
| anything they need to know about your child, | | | | Watch out for any changes to behaviour or |
| such as bedtime or feeding routines, ways to | | | | moods that indicate your child is unhappy or not |
| comfort and likes and dislikes. Let the babysitter | | | | settled. If you're concerned about the welfare of |
| know what types of television programmes, | | | | your child in any form of care, remove them |
| videos and computer games you find acceptable | | | | from the situation. |
| for your kids, and how long they can spend | | | | Discuss the problem with the carers, and if |
| watching and playing them. | | | | necessary, take steps to make a formal |
| Always leave a number where you can be | | | | complaint. |
| contacted in an emergency. | | | | In a serious situation, contact the police, your local |
| Leaving your child at a day care facility while you | | | | social services department or child protection |
| work has some considerations, too. It's advisable | | | | team. |