The long summer holidays can be a struggle for working parents, many of whom do not have enough annual leave to cover the whole school break or cannot take up places at summer clubs. While some families rely on grandparents or relatives for childcare, not everyone has that help. For parents of older children, a common question is whether they can legally leave them home alone or put an older sibling in charge.
The NSPCC has set out what the law says and what parents should think about before deciding. The children's charity says: "A child who isn't old enough or who doesn't feel comfortable should never be left home alone. If this is the case, it's best to look into childcare options that might work for your family."
What does the law say about leaving a child alone?
There is no legal age for leaving a child home alone. The NSPCC explains: "There's no legal age a child can be left home alone, but it's against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. Every child matures differently, so it would be almost impossible to have a 'one size fits all' law."
The Government makes clear: "The law does not say an age when you can leave a child on their own, but it's an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk. Use your judgement on how mature your child is before you decide to leave them alone, for example at home or in a car. Parents can be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised 'in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health'."
At what age can a child be left home alone?
The NSPCC says learning to be independent is part of growing up, and every parent may need to leave their child alone at some point. "You might wonder what age your child should be before they can be left alone at home. But there's no 'one-size-fits all' answer. Every child is different, so build up their independence at their pace and check in with them to make sure they feel safe."
By age group, the guidance is:
- Babies and toddlers - children up to three years old should never be left alone, even for 15 minutes "while you pop down the road". This includes leaving them in a car while you run into the shops.
- Primary school children - the NSPCC says: "While every child is different, we wouldn't recommend leaving a child under 12-years-old home alone, particularly for longer periods of time." Children this age are usually too young to babysit or cook for themselves without adult supervision.
- Secondary school children - talk to your child about how they would feel about being left alone. Even at 12 or almost 18, they may not feel safe or know what to do in an emergency. Go over the ground rules and remind them how to stay safe at home.
Can you leave children with an older sibling?
The NSPCC states: "If your child has an older sibling or step-sibling, you might feel more comfortable leaving them home together, especially if one child is older. There's no legal age a child can babysit, but if you leave your children with someone who's under 16 you're still responsible for their wellbeing."
It also warns: "You should also think carefully about leaving your child alone with an older brother or sister. If they fall out, you won't be around to make the peace." Consider how well the children get on and whether they fight when you are not there.
Before putting an older child in charge, the charity advises asking them if they feel comfortable. "Ask if they feel comfortable looking after their younger brother or sister alone," they add. "You shouldn't leave them in charge if they don't feel comfortable."
