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Home alone: Keeping your child safe

There is no legal age at which children may be left home alone, but parents can be prosecuted for neglect if it puts the child at risk of injury or suffering.

The home alone leaflet below gives sound advice and useful tips to help parents decide in what situations they may leave their children home alone, and what they need to do to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The leaflet explains the risks of leaving babies and younger children unattended, and provides helpful advice on what qualities and experience to look for when choosing a babysitter or childminder.

It is also useful for any service or professional offering parenting advice to new parents and those caring for young children or teenagers.

Home alone poster