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Whats the minimum age for babysitting in UK?

I have a 4 year old daughter, next door have a 13 year old daughter who has offered to babysit for a few hours on friday night.

Is she legally allowed to do this?

(I should add that: I will get my daughter into bed and asleep way before i leave, all she has to do is be in the house, her mum is RIGHT next door in case of an emergency and would probably pop in to make sure she is ok, i will be leaving around 8pm and get home around 10.30ish, i will only be in town, less than 5 mins walk from my house)

7 Answers

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  • Dory
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    There is no minimum age for babysitting, but parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children are not left in situations of potential danger.

    Advice about babysitting is available from the NSPCC, which suggests that when choosing a babysitter you should: Choose a babysitter over 16 years of age

  • 1 decade ago

    I don't there is a legal age but I was 14 when I used to babysit but this was quite a long way from my home then. If her mum is next door and you will only be 5 minutes walk away, as long as you leave your mobile number and the girl is sensible enough I can't see why they would be a problem.

    My eldest is 13 and he occasionally looks after his siblings aged 11 & 10 if we go out

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The babysitter should be 13 or older but it is recommended that any one over 16 as they are more mature. If anyone under the age of 16 looks after your children then you are still responsible for their well being and not the baby sitter

    Source(s): www.sheffinfolink.org.uk/.../CrawlerResourceServer.aspx?...
  • 1 decade ago

    You Have To Be 13 Or Older :)

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  • Ang3l
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    The legal age is 13 years old, but i personally think it should be older.

  • 1 decade ago

    I'm not sure about the legal age, but i personally would not let anyone under the age of 14 babysit my child.

    But its up to you, your the parent :)

    All the best x

  • 1 decade ago

    i say around 16

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