How do I set myself up as an evening babysitter?

[LindorDoubleChoc]

What are the apps people use? I'm in SE London. Need to earn some more money.

Well i suppose you're right. It's not like you're inviting someone into your home to look after the most important things in the world to you.

I'd have loved to have found someone like you. I'd try local Facebook groups.

Childcare.co.uk has been great for us finding casual evening babysitters, and you can list as much info about yourself as you like so parents can decide themselves if you are a good fit. We also used sitters.co.uk in London, we paid the site for the booking and paid cash to the sitter. DBS checks are a good idea. I once sent a young daytime babysitter on a first aid course, but wouldn’t expect it (personally) for an evening sitter, particularly someone who was already a parent.

Nobody is saying it's essential. Wise, handy and helpful, yes
Essential, no.

If I knew you (for instance, a school gate mum), then I wouldn’t care about your qualifications as long as I thought you were friendly and trustworthy.

But of course if you’re a random on an app I want you to be checked as thoroughly as possible.

I used sitters.co.uk when my kids were a bit younger.

People don’t use teens they don’t know.

if you’re babysitting for people you know then you don’t need all the bits and bobs as they know your skills and capabilities.

Being employed as a complete stranger is a completely different kettle of fish.

Maybe set yourself up as a babysitter and see how much interest you get? You can always get the first aid etc anyway.
I have done it, I don't think it was hard to find a course and it was really useful to know what to do in an emergency.

The problem with the DBS is you can't apply for one yourself. You need a company to do it for you. I think it's a way to stop people applying for them as a way of 'spying' on others but it is frustrating.

You can for a basic one.

Normally childminders and others working with children would have an enhanced one though.