1.1. Explain the responsibilities of the children’s parent(s) or primary carer(s) in relation to: • the babysitter • the children

This guide will help you answer 1.1. Explain the responsibilities of the children’s parent(s) or primary carer(s) in relation to: • the babysitter • the children.

Responsibilities of the Children’s Parents or Primary Carers in Relation to the Babysitter

Parents or primary carers have the main responsibility for their children. When they choose to use a babysitter, they must take steps to safeguard the children and support the babysitter in their role. A babysitter is usually a temporary carer who looks after children in the family’s home for a short period. This may be during the day or in the evening.

Selecting a Suitable Babysitter

Parents or primary carers must make sure the babysitter is suitable for the role. This means checking that the person is safe and can meet the needs of the children.

Steps may include:

• Looking for references or past experience
• Checking their age and maturity level
• Asking about childcare training or first aid knowledge
• Discussing previous experience with children of a similar age
• Being confident they understand child protection principles

If the babysitter is not known personally, some parents may carry out background checks or ask to see proof of identity.

Giving Clear Instructions

The babysitter needs clear, detailed instructions to carry out their role. Parents should explain any routines, safety rules, and specific needs of the children.

This can include:

• Bedtime routines and calming activities before sleep
• Meal and snack times, including what foods are suitable
• Any allergies or medical conditions
• How to use household safety equipment such as stair gates or socket covers
• Rules about television, mobile phones, or internet use
• What to do if a child becomes ill or upset

Clear instructions help avoid confusion and keep the children safe.

Providing Contact Information

The babysitter should have up-to-date contact information. Parents should give their phone number and tell the babysitter where they will be during the period of care.

Important numbers to provide:

• Mobile number for both parents if available
• Landline for the location they will be at
• Emergency contacts such as a neighbour or relative
• The family’s GP or NHS 111 details for medical advice

Setting Boundaries and Expectations

The babysitter should understand what behaviour is expected from them. This includes how to discipline children and which methods are acceptable.

Parents must make it clear:

• Physical punishment is not allowed
• Children should be spoken to calmly
• Positive reinforcement is encouraged
• Rules in the household should be followed consistently

Boundaries help maintain discipline without harming the child.

Providing Resources and Equipment

The babysitter should have access to what is needed for caring for the children. This could include toys, books, nappies, wipes, spare clothes, or a first aid kit.

Parents may prepare:

• Age-appropriate activities to keep children engaged
• Healthy snacks prepared in advance
• Instructions for using kitchen appliances safely
• Clean and safe sleeping areas

Safeguarding and Safety Checks

Parents must make sure the home environment is safe before leaving the babysitter in charge. This includes removing hazards or locking away dangerous substances.

Typical safety measures:

• Locking away medicines and cleaning products
• Keeping sharp objects out of reach
• Using safety gates if children are young
• Checking smoke alarms work properly
• Showing the babysitter fire exits

Clearly showing safety equipment helps the babysitter respond quickly in an emergency.

Responsibilities of the Children’s Parents or Primary Carers in Relation to the Children

Parents or primary carers must put the needs of the children first, even when using a babysitter. They are still responsible for the children’s wellbeing at all times.

Preparing the Children Emotionally

Children may feel anxious or unsettled about being left with someone new. Parents should prepare them in advance.

Ways to prepare:

• Introducing the babysitter in a friendly way before the care shift
• Explaining where the parents are going and when they will return
• Reassuring the children they are safe
• Encouraging them to share any worries with the babysitter

Helping the children feel calm reduces stress.

Supporting Familiar Routines

Children respond well to routines. Parents should maintain these where possible, even when using a babysitter.

To support routines, parents may:

• Write down the usual schedule for meals, naps, or bedtime
• Keep familiar items nearby, such as favourite toys or blankets
• Leave instructions for comfort techniques such as favourite songs or stories

This stability helps children feel secure.

Maintaining Safeguarding Principles

Parents have a duty to protect children from harm. When a babysitter is involved, safeguarding remains the top priority.

Parents should:

• Make sure children are not left alone with unsafe people
• Ensure the babysitter follows safe supervision practices
• Protect children from harmful media or activities
• Check the babysitter understands how to report concerns

Providing for Physical Needs

Parents must make sure children have what they need for comfort, hygiene, and nourishment during babysitting times.

This includes:

• Enough food and drink for the time they are away
• Clean clothing in case of spills or accidents
• Nappies and wipes for babies or toddlers
• Safe sleeping arrangements

Meeting physical needs shows care and responsibility.

Providing for Emotional Needs

Children may miss their parents during babysitting times. Parents can help by creating ways for children to feel connected.

Possible ideas:

• Leaving a note for the child to read before bed
• Allowing them to call or video chat at a set time
• Giving the babysitter activities that help build trust and fun

Keeping emotional needs in mind supports wellbeing.

Supporting Behaviour Management

Children may behave differently with a babysitter. Parents should guide the babysitter on how best to respond to misbehaviour or stress.

Actions parents might take:

• Sharing strategies that work at home
• Agreeing on consistent rules
• Avoiding big changes to discipline methods
• Encouraging calm responses rather than punishment

Consistency helps children understand boundaries.

Communication Between Parents, Babysitter, and Children

Good communication benefits everyone. Parents, babysitter, and children should all know what is expected.

Parents can help communication by:

• Listening to children afterwards to hear how they felt
• Encouraging babysitter feedback about behaviour or wellbeing
• Addressing any issues before using the babysitter again
• Checking the children’s mood and adjusting arrangements if needed

This builds trust between all parties.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Even though the babysitter is in charge during the care shift, parents or primary carers hold the legal duty for their children’s welfare. They must comply with laws such as the Children Act 1989, which states that a child’s welfare is the priority.

Ethical responsibilities mean acting fairly and respectfully towards both the babysitter and the children. That includes:

• Respecting the babysitter’s time by returning promptly
• Making sure payment and terms are agreed in advance
• Treating the babysitter as part of the team supporting the child’s development

Parents should consider cultural and religious needs where relevant, so that both children and babysitter are respected.

Planning for Emergencies

Even with good preparation, emergencies can happen. Parents must prepare babysitters and children for these situations.

Information to share might include:

• How to contact emergency services on 999
• Where to find first aid supplies
• Procedures for fire evacuation
• Contact details for trusted people nearby
• Medical information for each child

Children who are old enough should know basic safety steps, such as how to leave the building in case of fire.

Monitoring and Review

Parents should not assume everything will go well every time. It is useful to review how babysitting sessions have gone.

This may involve:

• Asking children how they felt
• Checking the babysitter’s account of events
• Looking out for changes in behaviour
• Assessing whether instructions were followed
• Deciding if the babysitter remains the right choice

Regular review promotes safety and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

Parents or primary carers have a wide range of responsibilities when a babysitter is involved. They must prepare and support the babysitter, safeguard the children, and maintain the children’s routines and wellbeing. The legal duty for the child’s safety always remains with the parent or carer, no matter who is providing temporary supervision.

A good babysitting arrangement depends on clear communication, preparation, and trust. When parents take the time to choose the right babysitter, give detailed instructions, and follow up afterwards, children are more likely to be safe, happy, and settled. The parent’s role is to provide a secure environment and give everyone the tools they need for success.