As we edge closer to Easter break, many parents will have to grapple with the challenge of juggling childcare and employment commitments. The decision of when it is appropriate to leave an older child unsupervised rears its head every school holiday.

Legislation remains silent on a specified age for leaving children unattended; however, it becomes a legal offence if the solitude leads to endangerment. Official advice counsels caregivers to "use their judgement" to gauge a child's maturity before determining whether to leave them unsupervised.

While there is no definitive age threshold for solitary child care, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) suggests that children under 12 years old typically lack the necessary maturity to cope alone for sustained periods, while those younger than 16 are advised not to spend nights without adult supervision. Furthermore, it’s clear that infants and very young children must not be left unaccompanied at any time.

Parents who leave a minor unwatched 'in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health' risk facing prosecution as well.

With school out soon, guidance from the NSPCC has been revisited to aid guardians in navigating the upcoming summer holidays with confidence.

Helen Westerman, the NSPCC's head of local campaigns, highlighted the complexity of establishing a legal age for leaving children unattended, citing that every child develops at a different pace and some may be more mature than others despite being the same age.

Ms Westerman emphasised: "Lots of parents will be thinking about whether it's safe to leave their children at home safely, and if they're old enough to leave the house unsupervised. This can be a really tricky decision for parents and carers to make as it will differ from child to child."

Ms Westerman continued: "As well as determining if a child is ready to be left alone, many parents will also find balancing work with the school break quite challenging, especially considering the rising child costs and the cost of living crisis, which is placing additional strain on families."

The NSPCC has received over 21,000 calls concerning children being left unsupervised over the past four years, with almost half of these calls coming during the summer holidays. Ms Westerman elaborated: "As children get older, it's common for them to want more freedom and learn to be independent.

"This is an important part of growing up, but we know there can be a lot to think about for parents. As every child is different, we recommend building up their independence at their pace and checking in with them to make sure they feel safe."

To support parents and guardians wrestling with the decision to leave their children unsupervised at home or allow them to go out alone during the summer holidays, Ms Westerman offers the following guidance:.

1. Gauge their readiness for being home alone.

Consider how your child might cope without adult supervision and think about their potential response to emergencies.

Ms Westerman advised: "Think about if they can deal with risks, will they behave responsibly, will they be safe?".

"And perhaps most importantly, how does your child feel about this idea?".

2. Take sensible precautions.

Before deciding to leave your child on their own at home, take practical steps such as giving them a spare set of keys and ensuring they have access to food and the bathroom.

Ms Westerman suggested: "Consider if there's anything that could hurt them and how you could reduce that risk."

3. Never leave babies or young children alone.

Ms Westerman emphasises unequivocally that babies and very young children should never be left alone, regardless of whether they are asleep or awake. She went on to say: "Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period."

The organisation also advises against leaving those under 16 unsupervised overnight and recommends that parents consider any special needs their child has before deciding if it's safe to leave them at home alone or with an older sibling.

4. Stay knowledgeable about their unsupervised trips.

Parents must be well-informed about their child's whereabouts when they go out unsupervised, including their destination, activities, company, and travel distance. Ms Westerman asserts that possessing this information is essential in helping parents "make the right decision."

5. Make sure they have important contact information.

It's critical for parents to ensure that their child has a parent or carer's phone number and knows a trusted nearby adult to turn to in emergencies when left alone at home. Ms Westerman insists: "If they're going out alone, make sure they know a trusted adult's full name and address, and have two trusted adults' phone numbers."

6. Equip your child for different situations.

Parents are being urged to have open discussions with their children about safety and how to handle various situations when unsupervised. Ms Westerman advises: "If they're going to be home alone for example, ask them what they'd do if they hurt themselves or if a stranger knocks on the door."

She also suggests asking, "If they're going out alone, you might want to ask them what they'd do if someone asks them to do something they're not comfortable with."

Establishing clear rules is essential for ensuring children know how to behave when left alone, whether at home or outside.

Ms Westerman emphasises the importance of setting boundaries that match the child's maturity level, saying: "It's a good idea to agree on some house or outside rules that suit their maturity before you leave them alone."

She concludes by highlighting the value of trust-building, stating: "Give your child a chance to build their independence by building your trust. If they adhere to rules and boundaries you set, you'll feel more confident letting them do more on their own.

"If they're going to be home alone for example, ask them what they'd do if they hurt themselves or if a stranger knocks on the door."

"If they're going out alone, you might want to ask them what they'd do if someone asks them to do something they're not comfortable with."

"It's a good idea to agree on some house or outside rules that suit their maturity before you leave them alone."

"Give your child a chance to build their independence by building your trust. If they adhere to rules and boundaries you set, you'll feel more confident letting them do more on their own."