babysitting??? what do i need?

[primrosecottage]

I've have been asked to babysit for two children. do I need to fill out any forms about the children, risk assess or write receipts for any money received? Can anyone share what they do when they arrive and speak to the parents ?

[JCrakers]

I'm not too sure, its been a long time since I babysat...probably 1992

I would have thought you need nothing as if you are just babysitting then its at their house so no forms or anything. Just agree a price and turn up

[Rick]

I know if you are with Pacey and their insurance, they will insure you if you print out the forms from their website. I would probably get them to fill out an all about me form and emergency contact form.

[Kbrands]

I was told that i would need to do a small contract and a quick risk assessment by Morton Michel if i wanted to be covered by their insurance i already have for childminding.

I've never done it (of course, i do a quick risk assessment in my head anyway). And i've never had a parent in 9 years of babysitting ask if i have insurance. I did do a mini contract and risk assessment sheet though in case i need it in the future.

[bunyip]

Pacey's insurance covers babysitting if you use one of their babysitting contracts. You need to include a risk assessment within this (though how the clown who designed the form expects anyone to RA an entire property on half a line of A4 beats me. Thank you, the really professional association. )

I would do a child information form, then the rest is whatever you think you'll need from a practical point of view. Things like contact details need to be thought through carefully. Mum's cellphone number is useless if they're at the opera and she's going to turn it off before the overture. You'd only get hold of them in a dire emergency by 'phoning the theatre and quoting their seat numbers so the house staff can pull them out.

As a business you must provide a receipt on request and must put all income through the accounts for tax purposes.

[Dragonfly]

When I babysat in the 70's you didn't need anything! Can only think you would need emergency phone number. You are a responsible grown adult aren't you? before childminding, did you think oh I must have this before I babysat for the lady down the road.How things have changed

[bunyip]

Forgot to mention the other thing you need: a thick skin............

....................because a lot of CMs regard the word "babysitter" as an insult.