There is no legal minimum age for leaving a child at home on their own. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk.
Key information
Before leaving a child on their own you should consider:
- their age
- their level of maturity and understanding
- where they will be left
- how long the child will be left alone, and how often
- whether or not there are any other children in the household
Some parents feel their child is old enough to be left at home on their own once they start secondary school and walk to school, or the bus by themselves.
Further sources of help
NSPCC
Guidance on when it is safe to leave a child at home on their own