Babysitting & childminding

In many relational communities, aspects of shared life - such as shared meals, informal childcare, or helping with errands - naturally occur without formal oversight. This is both normal and appropriate. 

If a babysitter holds a role within the organisation and concerns arise about their behaviour, organisational involvement may be required. Whether babysitting is privately arranged or a formal group activity, the organisation must follow its standard procedures for managing allegations against workers.

Outside these situations, babysitting is usually informal and needs no organisational involvement. However, if offered as part of a structured programme - such as a single parent ministry - even if free, the organisation must apply the same safer recruitment processes and safeguarding policies as for other staff and volunteers.

It’s important to recognise that formal babysitting arrangements are relatively uncommon, and the safeguarding standards in these contexts are more rigorous than those for informal situations. For example, while a parent or carer may feel comfortable with a trusted under-16 babysitting informally, this would not meet the safeguarding requirements for a formal organisational setting. 

When babysitting is offered as a structured program, the following considerations apply: 

• Safer recruitment processes are designed for individual who are 16-years-old and older. Therefore, the babysitter should be over this age. They should also be trained in safeguarding, have relevant child development training, and basic first aid.
• Before any babysitting arrangement is agreed, the parent/carer and the worker should meet to exchange contact details and discuss: 
  • The child's needs and routine
  • Emergency contact details
  • The anticipated time of the parent/carer's return.

Things to consider

If the worker has concerns about the child, a child shares something that suggests they may have been abused, or presents with an unexplained injury, the worker must report this to the Safeguarding Lead, who will assess the situation and take appropriate action. 

Parents, carers, and children should know they can change or end babysitting arrangements at any time. They should also know who to contact with any concerns - practical issues can be raised with a team leader, while safeguarding concerns should be directed to the Safeguarding Lead.