This short course introduces the essentials of babysitting.
It explains the responsibilities of both parent and sitter, and explores the importance of continuity of care, child safety, and the setting of boundaries for both the children and the babysitter. You will also be given an introduction to child development and care activities for young children.
Certificates
Certificate of completion
Digital certificate -
Included
Resources
e-Book: Encouraging positive behaviour in a learning environment
- download
eBook 'Understanding safer sleeping for babies'
- download
Description
Learning outcomes
You will learn how to interact with the adults you babysit for
You will learn how to care for the children you are responsible for
You will learn what to expect from the children you are responsible for
Advantages of this course
As a parent leaving children with someone new, the course offers details of the information exchange and expectation sharing that should occur before the babysitting starts
For the babysitter, the need for an exchange of information and expectations are explained, and the course provides a starting point for finding out more about child development and care activities
Additional activities encourage you to reflect on your learning
There is also suggested extended reading that gives both practical information and links to websites to expand knowledge
Please note, there is no legal age for babysitting. It is the responsibility of the parents using common sense to make the decision as to whether the babysitter is mature and responsible enough to look after their child.
On successful completion of this course, you will receive a Laser e-Certificate (included in the course price).
After purchasing this course on Reed, a customer service representative from Laser Learning will email you with instructions on how to access your course on the Laser Short Course website.
If the purchase was made within business hours, you should expect your email within 1-2 hours. If your purchase was made outside of business hours, you should expect your email the next working day.
Who is this course for?
Potential babysitters of any age, or parents / carers who wish to understand the job before employing a babysitter
Requirements
A computer, mobile, or tablet and an internet connection
Questions and answers
No questions or answers found containing ''.
libby asked:
what age are is it to be a baby sitter and how may hours as im in year 11 and im 16 next weekend like i would love to work after school and weekends
I'm 15 years old and me and my friend want to start babysitting how helpful will this class be for us and does this course include healthy and safety
Answer:
This course, looks at the essentials of babysitting, the responsibilities of both parent / carer and sitter, the importance of continuity of care, child safety, the setting of boundaries for all parties, an introduction to child development and care activities for young children.
It is a good basic grounding for babysitting if you want to take it seriously and do a good job. It covers care but not Health and Safety in any great depth. You would be advised to do a separate H & S course.
When I have complete this course how will I get a job in babysitting
Answer:
Hello Andrea,
The course will certainly help you understand the role of a babysitter, we hope you enjoy it and hope it will lead to some work for you. To get babysitting work i would suggest firstly that you try friends and family. They will know you and trust you already. Secondly, there are babysitting agencies which you will find with a google search. Lastly, a card in your local newsagent's window might also lead to some work.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
I’m a 13 year old looking for a babysitting job, I would just like to know whether there is an age limit for this course.
Answer:
Hello Aleisha, Thank you for your question. There is no legal age for babysitting. It is the responsibility of the parents using common sense to make the decision as to whether the babysitter is mature and responsible enough to look after their child. This course is suitable for a potential babysitter of any age. I hope this helps.
Chris
Is the course 2 hours straight or will it be in sections.I'm turning 15 soon how many hours can I do for my age?
Answer:
Hello Roxie, It is difficult to know how long it will take you to do the course. Some people get through it very quickly, 2 hours in total, others might want to take a little longer. You can work through it at your own pace. I don't think there is a legal limit on how long you can study for, but we would suggest that you do no more than an hour, then take a break and come back to it later. It's difficult to keep the concentration up without a break every now and then.
Hello, I am 12 years old but I really want to get a job so I was wondering how old do you have to be, I am willing to do it after school and weekends
Answer:
HI Ella
Thank you for the email and question. This is a very good course for any young person to do and I am sure you will enjoy it. There is no set age to start babysitting or do this course. It is more about whether you are responsible enough, the child' parents and your parents think you are capable. As for the course you can do it at any age
kind regards
Vivette
Hey I’m 18 years old and I’m interested in opening a babysitting business will this course be helpful for me? Also is there work experience included?
Answer:
Hello Haarisah,
Good to hear from you. I'm sure the Babysitting course will be useful for you. It covers all the basics you will need to know. There is no work experience included I'm afraid, it is only the theory.
Let us know if you have any further questions.
hi i am 14 years old and whant to take a course so i can get a small babysitting job because i am still in school would this be a good one to take
Answer:
Hello, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
I am a 57 year old woman ..I am interested in becoming a babysitter for mums that wish to go back to work after maternity .is this course for me.
Answer:
Hello Dawn, If you are looking after children during the day when their parents go to work its sounds a little more like being a childminder rather than babysitting. It's a good idea but we would advise that you talk to your local authority about being registered as a childminder.
I'm 11 and wish to babysit. I'm quite good with young children but I do not know if anyone would actually employ me because I'm 11. Would this help?
Answer:
Hello, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
Hi I'm Kyra I'm 12 and looking for a way to make money and help my mum out so I was online and I came across your post and I'm interested email please
Answer:
Hello Kyra,
This course will give you a good understanding of your role as a babysitter. At your age it is probably best to work with friends and family who you know and trust, and who know you. As you get a little older then there are agencies you can join who can refer you for babysitting work, but I'm sure they would say you are too young at present. Get some experience with people you know in the meantime.
Hi Ottie,
This course does not have an age limit as there in no legal age for babysitting in this country (although if you're under 16, parents are responsible for your safety and wellbeing whilst you're babysitting). I hope this helps!
Thanks,
Sophie
Hello! I was just wondering how it worked? Are we on a call with someone? Is it a PowerPoint we can do in our own time? What happens?
Answer:
Hi Mel, It's an online course with a tutorial video, reading materials, PowerPoint presentation, and a multiple-choice assessment quiz at the end. It's self-paced so you can work through the learning materials in your own time and take the test when you're ready. Once you purchase the course through Reed, we'll send you an email with the login details to the Laser Short Course website so you can start the course. Many thanks, Sophie
hi I’m 11 and looking to babysit I got a lot of experience as my mum was in childcare as a nursery worker And she has taught me lots is this ok for me
Answer:
Hello, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
I' m 12 nearly 13 am I old enough and how long does the course take?
Answer:
Hello, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
Hello, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. If you are under 16 then I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
is there an age restriction on this course? I am interested in taking this course but I am 15, would I be able to take it?
Answer:
Hello, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
Hi I am 12 years old and I have just started secondary school and I need to know how much time the course will take up
Answer:
Hello Kina. If you do it thoroughly, doing all the reading parts of the course you should be able to complete in two hours. It does not need to be done in one sitting, four half hour sessions is probably ideal.
Does this cover looking after children in their home or your home/
Whats ages are you covered to look after being an adult yourself?
Answer:
Hello Tracey,
Thanks for your message, good to hear from you. There is no minimum age at which children can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be in charge of younger children. The course covers the basic responsibilities of looking after children, whether in your home or theirs.
I live in cramlington but i am very responsible and mature and i have babysat my cousins loads and my mum trusts me so how do i do this course.
Answer:
Hello Neve,
Good to hear from you. If you buy the course from the Reed web site, we will send you a code with instruction short afterwards.
There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children.
Hi I am 11 years old and would like to become a babysitter how much should I pay ?
Also do you have to take a test andcan you take the test online ?
Answer:
Hello, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
I’m thirteen and looking to start babysitting for my neighbours i want some qualifications to show them that they can trust me - will this be good?
Answer:
Hi, this is a certificate of knowledge and not a qualification. if you are going to become a baby sitter it will be a good course for you and show that you are serious about your role. Thank you for your question. best wishes Vivette
can I babysit at 14 with experience with little children in my family and I love kids
Answer:
Hello Sofia, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
Hi,I’m 18 and I’m looking to baby sit weekends and evenings and was wondering if this qualification would allow me to babysit professionally?
Answer:
Hello Chloe, there is no legal requirement for training as a babysitter. However, it is a position of responsibility and trust and it is wise to take a course that explains the basics to you. This will make you feel more confident and also give some comfort to the parents of the children you are looking after. I hope this is helpful.
I am 13 years old...can i complete this course and become a babysitter??
Answer:
Hello, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
Can I become a babysitter without taking any courses?
Answer:
Hello Ayisha,
Yes, you can become a babysitter without taking any courses, there is no legal requirement. However, it is a position of responsibility and trust and it is wise to take a course that explains the basics to you. This will make you feel more confident and also give some comfort to the parents of the children you are looking after. I hope this is helpful.
I am 13 years old and want to take this course. I am home-schooled but beyond average academically. Is there an age restriction for this course?
Answer:
Dear Lola
Thank you for getting in touch. I do sincerely apologise for the delay in getting back to you, we have been closed over the seasonal Break.
There is no restriction on age for doing this course, it is known only and is assessed by a multiple choice test at the end.
The restriction on who can babysit and at what age comes down in the main to common sense and the permission of the parents.
Vivette
Hi im katryna and im 13 do you think my age would be suteble for babysitting
Answer:
Hello Katryna, There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own, nor do laws specify how old someone needs to be to babysit. However, if the babysitter is under 16, then the parent remains legally responsible for the child's safety. The children's charity, the NSPCC, advises that children under 16 should not be put in charge of younger children. Sorry, I think you would be advised to wait a few years.
Hello do I have to purchase the certificate or can I print it?
Answer:
Hello Haarisah,
The course includes a Laser certificate which is fine for most people. Once you have completed the course you will be given the opportunity to download and print this. You can also order a CACHE certificate (the leading UK Childcare awarding organisation). There is an extra charge of £21 for this but you may decide you don’t need one. If you do want this you will also be given the opportunity to order once the course has been completed.
Hope this is helpful.
This class is 10 hours so how many hours in a day?
Answer:
Hello Haarisah,
The course is all on line, so you just log in on a computer and go through the learning when it is convenient. It does not need to be done in one sitting, its completely flexible to suit you. It may not take all of the 10 hours, my guess is that you could complete it quicker than this.
I'm 15 years old but i'm wondering how old you have to be to start babysitting??
Answer:
Hello Ann, thanks for your query. There is no legal minimum age but if you are under the age of 16 then the parents are still legally responsible. Both you and the parents have to feel comfortable with the arrangement and judge that the risk is low. There is also no fixed rule about the length of time but we would advise a maximum of 4 hours and definitely not overnight, not until you are at least 16.
I hope this helps.
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We have partnered with DivideBuy to offer interest-free credit (0% APR) on course purchases between £50 and £6000.
Monthly instalments can be spread over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
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Interested?
Select DivideBuy at checkout
The cost of the first instalment is indicative as you may be required to pay a deposit.
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