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Nanny agencies and babysitters

Nannies and babysitters are different types of service available to look after children in your own home.
 
Nannies
 
Nannies can:
 
  • Provide high quality, flexible childcare for children of all ages
  • Be employed on a daily, live in or shared basis
  • Work flexible hours, part time or full time, term time and holidays to suit you and your child’s commitments
 
There is more advice about finding a nanny on the Sure Start website and you can also request a list of local nanny agencies on our web page.
 
Babysitters
 
If you are using a babysitter you must make sure that the person you have asked is capable and will provide adequate care for your child. This is because the law:
 
  • Does not state an age when children can be left alone, but parents can be prosecuted for wilful neglect if they leave a child unsupervised "in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health"
  • Does not state when young people can babysit, but if a babysitter is under the age of 16, parents remain legally responsible to ensure that their child comes to no harm
 
 

Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN.   
Telephone: (0118) 974 6000    Minicom: (0118) 974 6991    Email: wokinghambc@wokingham.gov.uk