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How mature is the child?

The most important factor to consider is how mature the child is. For example, it may be okay to leave a mature 12 year old alone, but not a 13 year old who is not mature.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) advises that:

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

Things to remember

If you do leave your child home alone, remember to do the following:

• leave a contact phone number and make sure you can answer it right away
• leave a separate contact list of people you trust, in case they can’t get hold of you
• talk to your child before you leave about how to stay safe, and tell them not to answer the door to strangers
• make sure dangerous objects like matches and knives are out of reach, as well as medicines and dangerous chemicals
• leave clear instructions on what to do in case of an emergency (like a fire)
• tell them what time you will be back, and don’t be late
• set some basic rules about what they can and can’t do while you are out
• teach them basic first aid

Finally, it is important to make sure that your child is happy to be left alone. If they aren’t confident about being left alone then find someone to look after them.

• Fire safety advice for parents and child carers

• First aid information on NHS Choices Opens new window

Finding childcare

Finding somebody to look after your child when you can't may be easier, and more affordable, than you think. For more information on all your childcare options, click on the links below.

• Advice on finding and choosing childcare

• Affordable childcare campaign

More useful links

• Parentchannel.tv (information videos for parents) Opens new window

• Read the Children's and Young Person's Act Opens new window

• Leaving children at home alone (NSPCC) Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Parents contacts