Safeguarding Policy
My Wedding Sitter Ltd (trading as My Wedding and Event Sitter)
Last Updated: January 2026
- About us
My Wedding Sitter Ltd (referred to throughout this website and related policies as “My Wedding and Event Sitter”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a company registered in England and Wales.
We operate an online platform that matches parents and event organisers with independent babysitters for weddings and events. We do not provide childcare services and do not employ babysitters.
- Our safeguarding commitment
My Wedding and Event Sitter is committed to promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and to supporting responsible safeguarding practices across our platform.
We recognise that weddings and events can present unique environments for children, including unfamiliar settings, large numbers of guests, alcohol consumption, and long hours. This policy sets out how safeguarding is approached within the scope of our role as a platform.
- Our role and limitations
My Wedding and Event Sitter:
- Operates as a booking and matching platform only
- Does not supervise or deliver childcare
- Does not assume parental responsibility
- Is not a safeguarding authority
Parents remain responsible for their children at all times. Babysitters operate independently and are responsible for their conduct during bookings.
- Vetting and onboarding of babysitters
As part of our onboarding and vetting process, My Wedding and Event Sitter takes reasonable steps to promote safeguarding and suitability before babysitter profiles are made available on the platform.
This process includes:
- Requiring all babysitters to hold a minimum clear DBS check
- Verifying DBS status during onboarding
- Conducting a video call with babysitters before profiles go live
- Requesting and checking two references as part of the vetting process
- Collecting information about childcare experience, suitability, and boundaries
- Requiring agreement to our Code of Conduct and related policies
Babysitter profiles will not be made live or available for booking until the vetting process has been completed to our satisfaction.
DBS levels and references may vary, and while these checks form part of our vetting process, My Wedding and Event Sitter does not guarantee suitability or fitness to provide care.
- Safeguarding expectations for babysitters
Babysitters using the platform are expected to:
- Act in the best interests of children at all times
- Follow instructions and routines provided by parents
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Supervise children appropriately for their age and needs
- Avoid physical, verbal, or emotional harm
- Never use corporal punishment or inappropriate discipline
Babysitters should not place themselves or children in unsafe situations.
- Safeguarding responsibilities of parents
Parents and event organisers are responsible for:
- Providing accurate information about children, routines, and needs
- Sharing emergency contact details
- Informing babysitters of any medical, behavioural, or safeguarding considerations
- Ensuring a suitable and safe environment for childcare
Parents remain the primary decision-makers for their children.
- Recognising safeguarding concerns
Safeguarding concerns may include (but are not limited to):
- Neglect or inadequate supervision
- Unsafe handover or collection of a child
- Exposure to harm, distress, or unsafe environments
- Signs that a child may be at immediate risk
Babysitters are expected to use their judgement and act calmly and appropriately.
- Responding to safeguarding concerns
If a babysitter has a safeguarding concern:
- Immediate risk
- Contact emergency services immediately
- Non-immediate concerns
- Raise concerns with the parent or event organiser where appropriate
- Remove the child from immediate danger if possible
- Avoid confrontation
Babysitters should inform My Wedding and Event Sitter after the situation is safe so concerns can be reviewed.
- Intoxication and unsafe collection
If a parent, guardian, or designated collector appears clearly under the influence of alcohol or drugs and is unable to safely care for a child:
- The babysitter should prioritise the child’s safety
- Another responsible adult listed by the parent should be contacted
- Emergency services may be contacted if there is immediate risk
Babysitters are not expected to place themselves at risk or manage aggressive situations.
- Reporting concerns to My Wedding and Event Sitter
Safeguarding concerns may be reported to My Wedding and Event Sitter following a booking.
We may:
- Review information provided
- Request further details
- Temporarily suspend accounts
- Remove users from the platform
- Refer matters to appropriate authorities where required
We do not investigate safeguarding concerns in place of statutory bodies.
- Record keeping and confidentiality
Safeguarding-related information is handled sensitively and in line with our Privacy Policy and Data Retention Policy.
We retain only information necessary to:
- Review concerns
- Take appropriate platform action
- Meet legal obligations
- Training and guidance
Babysitters are encouraged to:
- Familiarise themselves with safeguarding principles
- Seek guidance where unsure
- Access training opportunities where available
Babysitters with premium memberships may have access to additional guidance and resources.
- Policy review
This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate for the platform and reflects best practice.
- Final statement
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. By using My Wedding and Event Sitter, all users agree to act responsibly, communicate clearly, and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children.