Do babysitters in Scotland need a PVG check?

A PVG check is not a legal requirement for private babysitting in Scotland. Some sitters choose to obtain one voluntarily, and it can be reassuring to see. However, it should be one layer of a broader vetting approach - references, reviews, and a pre-sit meeting all matter too.

How much does a babysitter cost in Edinburgh?

Babysitter rates in Edinburgh vary based on experience, qualifications, and the number of children. No reputable arrangement should pay below the National Living Wage of approximately £13 per hour. On Bubble's UK platform, the average sitter rate is approximately £15.31 per hour as of 2026.

How quickly can I find a babysitter in Edinburgh?

On Bubble, care can be booked with less than 30 minutes' notice, and on average eight sitters apply to every job posted. For planned bookings using Instant Book, you can confirm a sitter immediately if they are available for your slot.

Is babysitting in Edinburgh regulated?

In-home babysitting is not a regulated activity in Scotland or the wider UK - babysitters do not need to be registered with the Care Inspectorate or any other body. Nurseries and childminders are regulated, but private babysitters are not.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare to pay a babysitter in Edinburgh?

Tax-Free Childcare can only be used with Care Inspectorate-registered childcare providers in Scotland - so it does not apply to private babysitting through an app. Scotland's 1,140-hour funded childcare entitlement also applies only to approved providers such as nurseries and registered childminders.