• Children rely on their parents for their safety.
• Your child has the right to care which is free from harm.
• Make sure your child gets the best quality care.
• Select your babysitter carefully.
• Avoid leaving your child with someone under sixteen.
• Ensure your babysitter can contact you in an emergency.
• Thurrock Family Information Service can provide a list of registered childminders who can also offer a babysitting service.

As parents you have responsibility for the safety and well-being of your children. As a result it is important that you think very carefully about the person you are going to leave them with, whether this is a stranger, close relative or a friend.

When you leave your child in the care of someone else you are taking a risk with their safety and welfare. When considering a temporary carer for your child it is important that you choose someone with the abilities and high standards that you would expect of yourself. This includes someone who will make sure they are fed, changed, kept safe, given room to play, feel secure and can deal with difficulties which may occur. You may want to invest in your babysitter by sending them on a babysitting course or first aid course. More advice can be found at Netmums or the NSPCC