Home alone

A question that is often asked is 'how old should a child be before being left on their own at home'. Although this might appear to be a simple question the answer is not so 
straightforward. 
 
The law does not define an age when a child can be left alone. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone if doing so puts them at risk. 
 
The NSPCC have produced a useful guide for parents, which ask parents to consider the 
following before leaving a child alone: 

• The age of the child.
• The child's level of maturity and understanding.
• The place where child will be left.
• How long the child will be left alone, and how often.
• Whether or not there are any other children in the household
   

The NSPCC guidance stresses:
 
Never leave a baby or very young child alone at home, whether asleep or awake, even for a few minutes. It doesn't take long for unsupervised young children or babies to injure 
themselves. 
Most children under thirteen should not be left for more than a short period. 
No child under sixteen should be left overnight. 

For further advice please visit the NSPCC's website

If you are concerned about a child who has been left alone at home please report your concerns to Children's Services or the police.