CHOOSING
A BABYSITTER OR CHILDMINDER
The NSPCC Child Protection
Helpline is a free, 24 hour service which provides counselling
information
and advice to anyone concerned about a child at risk of abuse.
If
you are concerned about a child and do not know what to do for
the best, or if family or other pressures are putting a child
to danger, or if you are concerned a child or your person yourself.
Please call NSPCC on 0800
800 500 or
Textphone 0800 056 0566
Don’t forget...
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Never leave
babies or young children home alone (whether sleeping or
awake), not even for a few minutes.
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Most children
under about 13 are not mature enough to cope with an emergency
and should not be left alone for more than a very short time.
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If children
do have to be alone, give them clear instructions about what
to do if there’s a problem. Leave a list of people
you trust whom they could go to or telephone, such as a neighbour
or close relative. And remember to put all obvious dangers
out of reach before you go (eg. Medicines, chemicals, matches,
or sharp objects).
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Even when
leaving teenagers alone, make sure they are happy about the
arrangement and that they know how to contact the emergency
services if necessary. If possible, leave a telephone number
where they can contact you.
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No child
or young person under at least 16 should be left alone overnight.
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CHOOSING A BABYSITTER OR CHILDMINDER
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Follow your
instincts. If you have any doubts about a childminder, babysitter
or other carer, don’t take them on. Always ask for
at least two references and check these carefully.
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If possible
choose a babysitter who is over 16. People under 16 cannot
be held responsible for any harm that happens to a child
in their care. But remember that even some 16 year olds may
not be mature enough.
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All childminder’s
should be registered with the local authority. For a list
of childminders in your area, contact your local social services
department (listed in the phone book under the name of your
local authority)
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Listen to
your children. If they seem unhappy with the person looking
after them, try to find someone else.
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WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY The law is not clear because
it does not state an age when children can be left alone. But
parents
can be prosecuted for wilful neglect
if they leave a child unsupervised "in a manner likely to
cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health" (Children
and Young Persons Act 1933).
Nor does the law state an age when young people can babysit. But
no one under the age of 16 can be charged with neglect or ill-treatment
of a child left in their care. So parents remain responsible and
can be charged themselves should any harm come to their child.
For this reason, the NSPCC does not recommend asking anyone under
16 to look after a young child.
CONTACTS
For more information about childminding, contact:
Northern Ireland Childminding Association,
17a Court Street,
NEWTOWNARDS Co Down
Tel: 028 9181 1015
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