• SUMMER months bring a dilemma for parents – when is it the right time to leave their child home alone?

There’s no set age. The law simply says you shouldn’t leave a child alone if they’ll be at risk. To help parents decide what is best, the NSPCC is offering guidance.

The main points are:

• Babies, toddlers and the very young should never be left alone.

• Under-12s are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency.

• Under-16s should not be left overnight.

• Regardless of age, a child shouldn’t be left home alone if they don’t feel comfortable with it.

• If a child has additional needs, these should be considered when leaving them on their own or with an older sibling.

• If siblings were to have a falling out, would they both be safe?

For more, see www.bit.ly/2OdebQt or call the NSPCC, 0808 800 5000.

COLIN PEAK
NSPCC Head of Service
London & the South East