Babysitter vetting

[CluelessMom88]

We have a 8mo boyw ho's attending nursery and recently we engaged a partime babysitter as he wasn't feeling well.

We found her via childcare com - she shared that she's ofsted registered, provided DBs check 2019, has her own FB page dating back 7 years on childcare, driving license.

As it's emergency cover back then we didn't do much vetting - also because either me or my partner will always be working at home when she's babysitting our baby.

She's awesome and now we are looking to engage her on an ad-hoc basis long term and I feel like we should at least do some vetting.

Could the experienced folks pls advise what you'd do in situations like ours ?

Note : one parent will always be around with nannycam on but she does take baby out for walks with location sharing. We don't go in when she's babysitting as it causes disruption and baby will start crying (separation anxiety).

Thank you !!!!!!

I got nothing to add, sorry. But we are going through the exact same situation atm. I’ll be watching this thread very closely. It will be our first time having a babysitter to care for DC (2 yr old & 9 months old).

I’m curious about your Nannycam, how did the sitter responded to it?

I hope all goes well for you :)

Is she dbs checked? If not you could offer to pay for it. You could ask for references but make it clear it's because you're wanting to increase her role (if she's happy to) . You could ask her /pay for her to do a basic first aid course.

To give context - Nursery staff would be dbs and reference checked , some will have first aid, food hygiene, most will have qualifications in play/child development . They should all have safeguarding training.

Her DBS should be on the update service and she should be able to show you that it is clear today, not in 2019.

What is her insurance?

Ask for a reference and actually check it.

I used to ask nursery staff if they wanted to do babysitting!

Not everyone will be on the update service, I have 3 DBS certificates dated in the last 3 years but I'm not on the update service.

You should be able to check her Ofsted registration by running her Ofsted number through the Ofsted website/calling Ofsted. Although, this doesn't really tell you much.

You could ask her to join the DBS update service.

Ask for references from previous employers and check them. That's the best thing to do.

And go with your gut. You've got to know her now and think she's great and you're almost certainly right. If you like what you see, if your baby seems happy and safe with her then that's the best vetting you can do.