Sitters Childcarer Code of ConductUpdated 8 months ago
It is important to all of us – parents, childcarers and Sitters – that we know what to expect of each other.
In accepting bookings with Sitters, you agree to follow the Sitters Childcarer Code of Conduct:
Before the booking
Prior to the booking, it is important to check-in with the family 60-90 minutes before the scheduled start time. Please send a message (by text message or WhatsApp) or make a brief phone call to the parent, reassuring them that you will soon be on your way.
For early morning bookings starting before 10am, we recommend you do this check-in the evening before. It provides an opportunity for you to address any questions or concerns parents may have and understand their expectations.
If you have been unable to contact the parent by phone and you have not had any response to a text message, unless you have received notice of a cancellation, we ask that you still attend the booking. There may be some good reason the family is out of contact temporarily.
On the day of the booking, allow extra time for your journey and use the Google Maps link on the booking details in the app to familiarise yourself with the route. Arriving on time, or a few minutes early, shows respect for the family's schedule and builds confidence in your reliability.
If you are delayed, inform the parents via text, WhatsApp, or phone call. Apologise for the inconvenience and provide an estimated arrival time to reassure them.
While emergencies can happen, do your best to fulfil your commitments, and avoid cancelling bookings whenever possible. Frequent cancellations can negatively impact future job offers to you.
If you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, please do so via the app as soon as possible. We will confirm your cancellation by email and try to find a replacement sitter.
Remember your Sitters ID – it is essential for each booking and should be shown on arrival.
Never arrive at a booking smelling of smoke or alcohol, and you must not smoke or vape at a booking.
Where necessary, take along your own snacks/meals, taking into consideration the values or dietary preferences, the parents may have set.
Make sure your mobile phone is adequately charged and powered on in case you need to use it to contact the family during your journey.
During the booking
It is important not to be accompanied by anyone, including your own children, partner, or friend, during the booking. Asking the family for such company would be unprofessional.
Never leave the family’s home with or without the children - unless the parent has given permission.
Parents may ask you to handle drop offs / pick-ups or other tasks with the children while they are in your care. Ensure you have a clear understanding of their expectations and that you feel confident in your ability to manage these duties safely.
Ensure your mobile remains on and sufficiently charged throughout the booking.
Regularly monitor the children, especially sleeping babies. Stay attentive and position yourself to hear any sounds from the children.
Prepare feeds if requested by the family and change young children's nappies, as necessary.
Never smack, slap, shake or in any way strike a child in your care.
Only give medication if the family has given you clear, written instructions, which could be via text message.
Never smoke, vape, consume alcohol, or use any illegal substances whilst babysitting.
Respect family's privacy and only enter rooms as necessary for your duties.
Do not use the family’s electronic devices including tablets and laptops unless instructed by the parent.
Avoid taking anything from the family's fridge or cupboards without their invitation. This also applies to using the family’s kitchen equipment for personal food preparation unless given clear approval by the family.
If using the family’s TV equipment with their consent, ensure that there are no charges incurred on their account for “on demand” or streaming rentals.
At the end of the booking, tidy up any toys or dishes you have used.
Hotel bookings (*in addition to the above*)
Inform the reception upon your arrival that you will be babysitting for the family.
Ensure the hotel room remains locked and the children are not left unattended at any time.
Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the hotel's evacuation procedures (usually found on the back of the hotel room door) and locate the nearest exits and escape routes in case of an emergency.
If you wish to order room service, cover the cost yourself unless you have a prior arrangement with the family to charge it to their bill.
Avoid watching any "on demand" or streaming rentals unless agreed with the Parent.
Breach of childcarer agreement
You agree not to accept or ask for future bookings directly from the family. This would be in breach of Sitters Terms & Conditions and will lead to your removal from Sitters' list of approved childcarers.
Always direct the family to book directly through the app; if they specifically request you as a favourite sitter, you will be given priority for new bookings.
By using the Sitters platform, you agree to receive payments for all bookings through the Sitters App to your personal Stripe account. From here you can easily transfer your earnings directly to your bank account. Payment must not be accepted in any other form.
Your Data
When you apply for a booking, families will receive your first name, phone number, and profile photo on the Sitters app to enable them to contact you.
Your experience and history of working with families through Sitters will be used to match you with suitable job offers. This information will also be shared with families who are seeking help.
By providing profile photographs, you agree to us securely storing and handling this data with your privacy and security as our top priority.