Can I do this?

[holdinon]

I'm a Mum to 2 boys who are at school full time. I currently work as a Lunchtime Supervisor in a Primary school but it's quite restrictive time wise. I'd like to work a few hours a week during term time. Can I advertise myself as a babysitter ? I'm not a registered childminder and don't have any specific childcare qualifications. I have done a first aid course recently. I'm not insured. I'm thinking I could care for children on a ad hoc basis for example whilst the parent goes to the gym or when they are caught short etc. I think there is a need for this in my area but I'm not sure if the legality of doing so. Does anyone do this?

Is it possible to do this?

If you’re not going to be registered with Ofsted then the definitions are not particularly well-defined. Ofsted (very loosely) consider "babysitting" to be an ad hoc evening activity.

You could advertise as a babysitter but I suspect parents responding to such an ad would be expecting an evening service.

Definition-wise, it sounds more like you’re offering an occasional nannying service.

You can register as a nanny with Ofsted, or operate as an unregistered nanny, in which case you need to check Ofsted’s rules on "no requirement to register" to remain legal. This broadly means working in the parental home rather than your own; or in your home for less than two hours maximum.

There’s a MNer called NannyNick who can give excellent advice on this.

Tbf, you should be very honest with parents about some of the limitations. Unless you charge rock-bottom fees, they’d be better using a registered childare provider who they can pay through money-saving schemes like childcare vouchers tax free childcare. There could also be issues over insurance and responsibility in the case of an accident. You may need to use much more expensive car insurance if you intend to drive the children, or even to just drive yourself to/from their homes.

It might be viable, but worth getting everything right, which could prove expensive.

I'd like to work a few hours a week during term time. Can I advertise myself as a babysitter ?

If you care for the child/children in the child's own home, then yes. Problems occur when you want to care for children at your home.
Personally I never care for children at my home, it's too small.

I have done a first aid course recently.
Good, though there are many different types of course. Ideally you want one which covered babies, children and adults.

I'm not insured.
It's not a requirement and you may struggle to get it for ad-hoc care. Specialist childcare insurers like Morton Michel do offer policies for un-registered nannies, which might be suitable.

I'm thinking I could care for children on a ad hoc basis for example whilst the parent goes to the gym or when they are caught short etc.
Is there much demand for that? I would try to research if you can by asking around people you already know as they are your prime prospective clients. Try to establish how much they would pay as it may not be a viable to provide the service at the fee people expect to pay.