The law does not state at what age children can be left alone. However, parents can be prosecuted for willful neglect if they leave a child unsupervised "in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health" (Children and Young Persons Act 1993)

In addition, the law does not state an age when children are legally allowed to babysit. Where a babysitter is under the age of 16, parents remain legally responsible for ensuring their child comes to no harm.

For this reason, the NSPCC  Opens in a new window False does not recommend asking anyone under 16 to look after a child and advises the following when choosing a babysitter:

• Follow your instincts, if in doubt don't use them
• Ask for at least two references and contact the referees yourself
• Choose a babysitter over 16 years old
• Listen to your child and talk to your child about any issue of babysitting that they are unhappy about
• If your child is unhappy about your use of a particular babysitter find someone else
• Only use registered childminders, a list of local registered childminders can be found online

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Babysitters are not registered with Ofsted which means the Family Information Service does not hold lists for this type of childcare. However, we do hold lists of registered childminders, this includes childminders that may be willing to do some evening or weekend babysitting.

For details of registered childminders in your local area contact Torbay Family Information Service on 0800 328 5974 or:

Find childcare False

Parents may also wish to find a sitter by asking a friend or a relative with children for a recommendation or by searching the web for babysitting agencies. If you use a babysitting agency you should be clear about how they vet their sitters, for example, ask whether they interview them, take up references and complete a Disclosure and Barring Service  Opens in a new window False check.

Further advice on good practices when leaving children alone can be obtained by looking at the RoSPA  Opens in a new window False or NSPCC  Opens in a new window False websites (search for babysitting) or by ringing the NSPCC helpline on 0800 800 5000.

Breakfast clubs are usually based on a school site and offer activities and breakfast before the start of the school day.

• Ofsted registration: Inspected as part of the school’s registration
• Age range: School age children
• Opening hours: Usually from 8:00am until school starts
• Cost: Varies between schools. Ask your child’s school for details

After school clubs can be based on a school site or run by a private business or voluntary organisation. They offer activities for children once school has finished. Some clubs will pick up from schools nearby if they are not already on a school site.

• Ofsted registration: Must be registered if caring for children in reception class, otherwise they may choose to register through Ofsted’s Voluntary Childcare Register. If they are on a school site they will be inspected as part of the school’s registration
• Age range: Usually 5 years to 11 years but some may take children over the age of 11
• Opening hours: After school until around 6:00pm
• Cost: Varies between providers

Childminders are self employed and work from their own homes providing childcare. Childminders attend a range of different activities such as outdoor environments, childminding groups and children’s centres.

• Ofsted registration: Must be registered, to check their latest inspection report contact the Family Information Service
• Age range: All ages, depending on their registration
• Opening hours: Most work from 8:00am until 6:00pm but they are usually flexible, offering hours outside of these times. Some childminders provide evening or weekend care. Childminders can also pick up and drop off at other childcare provision and schools
• Cost: Costs vary between each provider, most charge an hourly rate and this is usually around £3.50

If a childminders has been judged Good or Outstanding by Ofsted then they can provide 15 hours funded early education for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.

Holiday schemes are open during school holidays and offer activities and trips. They can be based on a school site or run by a private business or voluntary organisation.

• Ofsted registration: Must be registered if caring for children in reception class, otherwise they may choose to register through Ofsted’s Voluntary Childcare Register.
• Age range: Usually 5 years to 11 years but some may take children over the age of 11
• Cost: Costs vary depending on the activities available and the sessions needed

• Ofsted registration: Must be registered, check their latest inspection report
• Age range: From 2 years to 5 years, some don’t take children until they are 3 years
• Opening hours: Sessions are usually offered during term-time and can be morning and/or afternoon with similar opening hours to the school day
• Cost: Costs vary between each provider. It is usually around £3.50 per hour.

Attendance at nursery school or nursery class gives children a valuable introduction to school, helping them to develop positive attitudes to learning and to mix easily with other children. Here in Torbay we have numerous private day nurseries, as well as nursery classes based in primary schools.

Day nurseries

Day nurseries offer full day care for children.  Some providers offer trips and outings depending on the facilities within the provider.  Most day nurseries offer funded places for 2, 3 and 4 year old children. Day nurseries can provide 15 hours of free childcare for three and four year olds.

• Ofsted registration: Must be registered, check their latest inspection report
• Age range: Usually between 3 months and 5 years
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday all day, usually between 8:00am and 6:00pm but sometimes opening hours are longer than this. Care is usually offered all year round except Bank Holidays and some may close for a week over Christmas.
• Cost: Costs vary between each provider and depend on which sessions you would like. A full day is often around £30. You will need to check what is included in the price as you may be charged for extras such as meals and nappies in addition to the cost of the session

  Search for day nurseries

Nursery classes at a school

Nursery classes are usually attached to an infant or primary school and usually only provide the free 15 hours early education for 3 and 4 year olds although you may be able to pay for extra hours if there are spaces available. They are sometimes referred to as maintained nurseries. Attendance at nursery classes does not guarantee a place for your child at the school.

• Ofsted registration: Inspected as part of the school’s registration
• Age range: Children can attend from the start of the term after their 3rd birthday
• Opening hours: During term-time only
• Cost: Free for up to 15 hours, you may be able to pay for extra hours

  Search for a school nursery

Applying for a place

Contact the nursery or pre-school directly if you want apply for a place.