Choosing the right childcare

There is no law which states the minimum age that a child can be left alone but it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts the child at risk.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) recommends that most children under 13 should not be left for more than a short period and that no child under 16 should be left overnight.

For further information, visit National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children – NSPCC

What to consider before you leave a child alone

NSPCC suggest that parents consider the following before deciding to leave a child alone:

• the age of the child
• the child's level of maturity and understanding
• the place where the child will be left
• how long the child will be left alone, and how often
• whether or not there are any other children in the household.

Further advice on good practices when leaving children alone can be found on Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents – RoSPA

You can also call the NSPCC helpline on 0800 800 5000.

Registration and regulation around babysitting

As babysitters are not 'registered' and there are no regulations to govern this type of childcare, we do not hold lists of people. However, we do hold lists of registered childminders who may be willing to do some evening or weekend babysitting. Parents may also wish to find a sitter by asking a friend or a relative with children for a recommendation or by searching the web for babysitting agencies.

Both the NSPCC and RoSPA recommend that babysitters should be over 16 years of age and that parents ask for at least two references and contact the referees themselves. RoSPA also suggest that parents complete risk assessments and think through all possible eventualities before leaving their children with a babysitter.

If you use a babysitting agency

You should ask how they vet their babysitters – for example, you can ask if they conduct interviews, take references and do Criminal Records Bureau checks.