What should a babysitter know before looking after my child?

The short answer

Give the babysitter one written page they can use under pressure. Include your location, return time, all contact numbers and a nearby backup adult. Write allergies, health needs, medication instructions, emergency plans and when to call you, NHS 111 or 999. Explain how the child communicates yes, no, pain, distress and a need for space; do not rely on a general label such as 'non-verbal' or 'has meltdowns'. Set out the evening in a few steps, including food, personal care, bedtime, device rules, supervision and any door, road, water, pet or leaving-the-house risks. Name what usually helps, what makes matters worse and the actions the sitter must not use. Introduce the sitter before leaving, complete a short trial and check that both the child and sitter can use the communication and safety plan. The sitter should know which decisions they may make and which require a call. Do not give a complex medical, feeding, personal-care or behaviour-support task to an untrained person because they are trusted or related. If they cannot follow an essential instruction, choose a different arrangement.

• Put contacts, health information and emergency actions on one usable page.
• Describe the child's communication and early signs in observable terms.
• Make the evening plan short and show the sitter where essential items are.
• Practise before the first full sit and check the child's view.
• Match the care task to the sitter's competence rather than goodwill.