finding an sn babysitter.

[staryeyed]

Dp and I are desperate to spend some quality time alone together. My parents watch the children while I work (well did, as I am now on ML). I dont like asking them if I dont have anything specific to do as they can get a it funny so would rather pay someone. I have no idea how to find a reliable experienced babysitter who wouldn't be out of their depth looking after DS(5) ASD and a handful of a toddler. I have never left either with anyone who wasnt a family member before and would want to check references and make sure they are CRB checked and able to cope.

Where have you found yours?
Have you got any tips questions I should ask etc?

Hello, I don't have personal experience but a friend with a PDA child and 3 year old, recently advertised at the local teacher training university for a child minder/babysitter. She was inundated with enquiries from students hopping to specialize in SEN when they graduated.

She interviewed 5 of them and settled on a lovely girl. The bonus is, they are usually willing to work for less than a registered child minder!

So far, so good with the childcare so far

Where are you based roughly? I use an SN babysitter who is brilliant

N london

We have a local Autisitc care and support place, who have a service that has a few babysitters. They are all CRB checked and well trained with specific ASD experiance. They are some of the same staff who work at the holiday and qweekend clubs they run. Have you got a similar place where you are? Maybe you could see if they have this sort of thing.

It is quite expensive (between £10 - £15 an hour) but at least it is a provision in place.

I have not personnally used them yet, but I do know a couple of families who have, and have found them fantastic.

I am not aware of any place like that where I live.

Try asking the local SN school to put a notice up for you, or ask their staff (ie have experience!)

DS goes to an SN school. I could always ask them I guess.

staryeyed - Just popped back as I just remembered one of my DDs classmates parents have a student, who is currently studying for a qualification related to special needs (not sure which), who babysits for them, and comes on trips out the family as an extra hand, so they can spend more time with their NT children.

Maybe you could see if a local college could put a notice up for you to see if there are any students studying relevent topics? Just think it helps you with a babysitter, and gives the student some extra experiance.