Things your babysitter needs to know
It is your responsibility to make sure that your babysitter has all the information they need to care for your child in your home.
They will need a contact number or an address where they can reach you.
You must also be clear about what time you expect to return.
In an emergency
As well as your own contact details, your babysitter should know the details of someone local that they can contact if they need help quickly. This person will need to be available the whole time the babysitter is at your house. You will need to make sure that they have agreed to accept this responsibility and are happy for you to share their details.
The babysitter should also know what to do if your child becomes ill or distressed whilst you are away.
About your child
You should tell your babysitter about:
- any dietary requirements or allergies that your child has
- any medical needs that they need to be aware of
- your child's bedtime routine, if you expect the babysitter to put them to bed
- any electronic restrictions your child has, such as TV or video games
- rules for older children, including if they can leave the house or have friends over
- any other house rules or routines your child needs to follow
Rules for the babysitter
You should be clear about what the babysitter is allowed to do in your home. For example:
- can they cook a simple meal?
- are there snacks they can help themselves to?
- can they use the TV?
- are there any restrictions on their own friends accompanying them?
For late evening sits, you should also make sure that your babysitter has a plan to get home safely.