Quick Exit

When can I leave my child alone

There is no legal age at which a child can be left home alone.

However, under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (as amended, most recently clarified by the Serious Crime Act 2015).

It is a criminal offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk of harm.

The NSPCC states that

  • children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time
  • children under 16 should not be left alone overnight
  • babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone 

Things to consider are:

The NSPCC guide to staying home alone or going out alone provides practical tips and advice to help parents and carers decide what is best for their child. Home alone or out alone guide | NSPCC Learning

Other resources

The law on leaving your child on their own - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

https://childlawadvice.org.uk