Doc Summary
Policy Overview #
This policy outlines the best practice of babysitting and how we advise parents and staff on how best to deal with the subject. Along with our rules.
Safeguarding children is vital, and The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD is committed to protecting the welfare of every child we care for. All employees are expected to share this commitment.
The intention of this Policy is to: #
- – Give staff a guide on the rules surrounding babysitting.
- – To give parents an overview of the nursery rule regarding babysitting.
Who is this policy aimed at? #
This policy applies to all The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD employees, Volunteers, students, temporary staff, or anyone working for or on behalf of The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD.
Where does this Policy Apply? #
- – Any location The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD operates
- – Working with children away from the premises
- – At parent’s or carers home
The Norfolk Childcare Company LTDs Babysitting rules #
In the past, it was not uncommon for nursery staff to be asked to babysit for our families outside of nursery working hours.
Unfortunately, we have been advised at Safeguarding training that it is the best practice that paid staff should not babysit for any family attending the setting as this oversteps professional boundaries.
The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD: #
- – Will not be responsible for any arrangements or agreements made between parents/carers and our staff regarding babysitting
- – Will not be held responsible for any health and safety or other issues that may arise from these private arrangements; and
- – Has a duty to safeguard all children whilst on their premises and in the care of our staff during nursery opening hours. This includes having several trained and experienced staff on the premises at all times who follow The Norfolk Childcare Company LTDs policies and procedures. This duty does not extend to private arrangements between staff and parents/cares outside of nursery hours.
Staff : #
- – Staff are not permitted to babysit for families with children at the setting. This includes families with siblings that have left our care.
- – Out of hours, work arrangements must not interfere with their employment at The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD
- – Any out of work arrangements for babysitting children, not in our care must not be conducted during the opening hours of the setting. This includes days off and holidays booked by the staff member or school holidays for term time only children.
- – Individuals must uphold the Data Protection Act 2018 at all times.
- – Discussions about The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD, other children or families and employees of The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD are not permitted and would be considered a breach of confidentiality.
- – Staff understand that actions or incidents that occur during any babysitting could directly affect their employment with The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD be it through disciplinary, dismissal or investigation via the company, LADO, CADS or OFSTED.
Parents: #
- – Parents will not ask/contract any members of staff to carry out any babysitting duties in our care.
- – Parents will not ask/contract any members of staff to carry out any babysitting duties once they have left our care during working hours of the setting.
- – Parents/carers should be aware that other adults accompanying the babysitter may not have the relevant DBS check clearance, and it may not be appropriate for them to care for children.
- – Parents/carers should not involve The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD with its private arrangements.
- – Any agreements or problems that arise from any personal babysitting with not have any bearing on any agreement between a parent and The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD.
Exceptions #
There are very few exceptions to the above rules. Any exception staff and other parties involved accept that The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD cannot be held responsible, liable, or be involved in any way. Also, any private arrangement will not affect their work. These rules are as follows
- – Staff members may babysit other staff members’ children as long as both parties are happy.
- – Staff members may babysit family members’ children that are currently registered with ourselves.
- – Staff members may babysit registered children only if they have a strong personal connection to the child before their registration. In this situation, a Director will assess on a case-by-case basis if the situation. The Parent must sign an agreement that they understand this policy.
- – Only at a Director’s discretion may a member of staff carry out babysitting duties for children at the setting. This will only be in very rare or emergency circumstances. Before this can go ahead the parents/carers must sign an agreement, along with the member of staff. This will only be on a case-by-case base circumstance.
Breach of Policy #
Any member of staff, student or volunteer found to be in breach of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as a breach of this policy and our safeguarding policy. Any breach could result in termination of employment.
Policy Commencement and Review #
| Date Commencement | Review Terms | Signed By |
| 01/12/2022 | Yearly | Jonathan Tricks, Operations Director |