To leave toddler overnight with 17 year old babysitter

[Babysittingquestion]

Me and my partner rarely go out together overnight because I have never felt comfortable leaving my child with anyone overnight other than my family.

however we have a 17/nearly 18 year old babysitter who has been babysitting since the age of 15 for families for children as young as 6 months including weekends and overnight.

she has really gained our trust and studies childcare and is experienced in looking after children with additional needs. My son is 3 and autistic and loves her.

she was booked to babysit whilst my partner and I go for a meal out tonight however we are considering staying over so that we don’t have to drive back at night — the hotel/restaurant is 30 minutes away and my mum lives 2 mins around the corner from us (but is too unwell to look after DS at the moment).

i can’t find any laws on what age is suitable to babysit over night. I was just wondering whether it is ok to have a 17 year old look after a toddler overnight.

would you say this is ok or irresponsible?

Neither.
Just risky.

This is completely legal.
You do not need the approval of anyone, if you feel comfortable then do it. If you don't then you simply won't be able to relax and enjoy yourself.

Personally, I'd get home via taxi home but only because I prefer my own bed. Mum 2 mins away (ask her to keep phone on loud "just in case"), go out and enjoy yourself.

Nothing wrong with it per se but does it have to be the first time she sits? Surely it would be better to build up the time they spend together alone? A quick meal tonight, as arranged, and then increase the time you're away each time you go out, building up to an overnight stay.
I appreciate you don't get out much but as you say, you'll be 30 minute drive away and your mum is not well enough to look after him. Are you expecting her to be well enough to cope if there is an emergency though?
Why has it gone from not comfortable to leaving DC with anyone but family to suddenly wanting to leave DC overnight? What's the urgency?

Personally I’d get a taxi home.

@Dontbelieveaword sorry i wasn’t very clear, she’s been babysitting for us for 3 months now

Well as long as sitter is happy with last minute change of plans, DC is happy, you're happy, you're contactable, mum's contactable, I can't see a problem. Have a great night

I did the odd sit at that age where I stayed over because the parents were going to be very late back. I felt a bit uneasy about going to bed whilst still "on duty" - but it's what the parents would have done.

The night bit isn't an issue, but think through your normal morning routine; what does your child normally do when he wakes in the morning, will she need to make sure she's already awake, etc.