Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board has produced the following advice to help aid safe baby sitting.

For parents

• Ideally all babysitters should be over 16 years old.
• Only leave your children with someone you know.
• Make sure your babysitter and your child meet each other beforehand.
• Make sure the babysitter knows what to do in an emergency.
• Always leave a contact telephone number of a neighbour, friend or someone in the family in case there are problems.
• Make sure they know the layout of the house and where the exits are.
• Make sure they know what's expected of them.
• Always let them know what they can and cannot eat.
• Tell them who is allowed to come into your house
• Make sure the house is safe and secure before you leave, this could mean for example, securing doors and windows and making sure the fireguard is in place.
• Write a contact telephone number and where you will be and give this to the babysitter.
• Make sure the babysitter gets home safely.

Remember, If you are not sure about your babysitter do not leave your child!

For further information please call Social Services Public Information on 01484 225274.

For further details on any of the information highlighted on this web page please contact your local Gateway to Care direct or complete a Gateway to Care enquiry form. Our staff will be more than happy to help!