Leoni Butler and Kim Evans were in the first group to do the course

Courses are now to be offered to all pupils aged over 14 throughout the county.

Pupils at one school in Llanelli have given up their free time to complete the eight sessions aimed at improving their child minding skills.

Youngsters say it has improved their confidence and parents are happier to employ them.

You are taught how to look after children, how to be patient and the right sort of play to keep them amused Kim Evans, aged 15

The scheme is being run by the county's NHS Trust and the Carmarthenshire Children's Partnership.

Each session is taught by a different professional - ranging from health and child protection visitors to police community safety officers.

Students also have to take and pass a basic first aid course to qualify for their certificates.

It has been piloted with 13 Year 10 pupils at Coedcae Comprehensive School in Llanelli.

Professional

Fifteen-year-old Kim Evans was one of those who took the course.

"You are taught how to look after children, how to be patient and the right sort of play to keep them amused," she said.

"You are also taught how to look after yourself in someone else's home and making a contract between you and the parent.

"It's a more professional way of doing things."

The Children's Commissioner for Wales, Peter Clarke, has lent his sport to the project and handed out certificates to those who complete the inaugural course.

I have got more babysitting jobs as a result of it. People have more trust in you Leoni Butler

"He talked about what good work we are in going in Carmarthenshire," said Karen Pereira, a council development officer.

"The aims are to develop skills in young people to provide safe and effective babysitting and to build firm foundations for parenthood."

Feedback from the first batch of students will now be used to help develop future classes.

Leoni Butler, another to have completed her certificate, said she was in no doubt she had benefited.

"I enjoyed it and it has given me more confidence," she said.

Feedback

"I did some babysitting before. The parents are pleased that I have done the course.

"I have got more babysitting jobs as a result of it. People have more trust in you.

"I think it's a good idea. The first aid course was important and fun to do."

Ms Pereira said schools and youth clubs would now be encouraged to run the classes.

"We will have sessions to train facilitators to organise the courses in their own area through youth clubs and school and to bring in the right sort of people to give the course.

"Feedback from the students will inform the future development of the sessions.