Letter to editor: Guidance for parents during half term break on leaving children home alone

HALF term may feel like a short space of time for some.

But many parents and guardians may be agonising over whether to leave their child alone during the day or to find alternative childcare arrangements while they are away from the home.

In some cases where a child is placed at risk of harm by being left without supervision adults can be prosecuted for neglect, so it is surprising to many to learn that there’s no legal minimum age when a child can be left home alone.

The decision on whether to do so rests entirely with the parent or guardian. It’s a difficult choice to make and it is important that it is the right decision for both the adult and child.

NSPCC Cymru/Wales has the following advice and tips to help parents or carers decide on leaving a child home alone:

• Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone under any circumstances.
• Children under 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period of time.
• Young people under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight.

Regardless of their age, it is important to note that if a child feels uncomfortable, then they should never be left alone.

And if a child has additional needs, these should be considered when leaving them alone or with an older sibling.

We know that children mature at different rates, so it is vital that there is flexibility for parents to make a judgement on what is right for their child.

If parents or carers feel confident that a child can be left alone, that he or she is happy with the decision and that the child has the knowledge of what to do in an emergency, then parents or carers can leave them unsupervised.

More advice can be found on the NSPCC’s website, while the NSPCC’s helpline is available to offer support on 0808 800 5000.

Any children or young people who may have concerns can call Childline on 0800 1111 or they can go online at childline.org.uk.

Des Mannion

Head of Service, NSPCC Cymru/Wales