I appreciate you saying it and understand that its not an easy subject to broach...but offenders arent always male..my nephew had a very intrusive performed on him when he was 6 by a girl babysitter...I guess its down to personal choice and hopeful good judgement

Do you not think this could happen with a female sitter too?

Jen....as Rach has already posted...the babysitters gender is not necessarily the issue...it really comes down to personal judgement...however even this is not always as straight forward as you think....as a rule 'abusers' are known to their victims....

Hi there, newbie here... thought this may be a good thread for me to post on, given what I do work wise!

- Are there any rules, regs, laws, etc. regarding letting him babysit?

No. Childcare in your own home is unregulated in England and Wales. I believe it's the same in Scotland, though in Scotland babysitters should be aged 16 or over.

- How much do you think we should pay him?
However much he will accept and how much you can afford. As he has formal childcare qualifications, I would suggest offering a higher amount than you would to someone who was untrained.

- What does everyone else pay?
I'm a provider myself, so will answer the question How Much Do You Charge?
I charge £10 per hour... have you picked yourself off the floor yet?
I started out, 16 years ago, charging £1.50 per hour... it has gone up over the years. I'm based in Surrey, so that may have something to do with the price, though I feel it's more to do with the quality of the service I provide, the peace of mind my clients get... they can go out without any worries.


It is interesting how Gender was raised on this thread. It's something that alas will never go away. I'm male, have worked in childcare since very early 90's. These days my gender is not such an issue as it used to be in the past - experience, qualifications, Enhanced CRB check etc all help. Some parents will worrie about child abuse possibilities, but this is the case regardless of gender. Best you can do is to ask to see an Enhanced CRB Disclosure (if someone works in child daycare they will have this) and use your instincts. Meet any childcare provider before agreeing to use them, make sure your child is happy to be cared by the person. Read testimonials/references, ask to speak with other parents/daycare for verbal reference etc.

welcome nick...and after I picked myself up off the floor I agree with yr advice about checking a persons capabilities and references etc..
my daughter have just started babysitting for friends...they are 15 and have both had a basic first aid course thru st johns ambulance and have both done work experience thru the preschool i work in..I feel comfortable letting them do it..
have u ever considered it thru the babysitters parents minds too?...its not easy letting yr "child" go out to look after someone elses child,lol..I worry bout getting there and back and insist on taxi`s etc,or staying over...allsorts go thru yr head..or is that just me?