As schools begin to break up for summer—starting with Scotland and soon followed by the rest of the UK—millions of parents are bracing for a familiar juggling act: how to cover six long weeks of childcare while balancing work, costs, and logistics. For many, the solution may involve leaving their child at home unsupervised, at least for part of the day. But – setting aside for a moment the antics of Kevin McAllister in Home Alone – is that legal—and more importantly, is it safe?
In the UK, there is no specific legal age at which a child can be left home alone. However, it is against the law to leave a child alone if it places them at risk of harm. The key phrase from official government guidance is that parents “can be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health.” In short, it’s down to parental judgement—and if things go wrong, they can be held accountable.
While the law is vague, children’s charities are much clearer in their advice. The NSPCC does not recommend leaving any child under the age of 12 home alone, even for a short time, and says children under 16 should not be left overnight.
As Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC Helpline, put it: “It can be hard for parents and carers to know the right age to leave their child home alone as every child is different… If a young person is to be left home alone, they should know how to contact a trusted adult and what to do in an emergency.”
The charity stresses that babies, toddlers and young children should never be left alone—not even for a quick trip to the shop or to collect another child from school.
There is no universal age or checklist, but the NSPCC advises parents to consider maturity, confidence, and comfort levels. Children who are worried or uneasy about being left alone should not be put in that position—regardless of age.
For those who do feel comfortable, the child should have access to a phone, understand basic safety precautions (like not answering the door), and know how to reach a parent or carer.
Parents are also urged to check in regularly and talk through different scenarios with their child beforehand.
The pressure peaks during the school holidays, especially for working families. A 2023 report by Coram Family and Childcare found that average costs for six weeks of summer childcare were more than £1,000 per child—and that suitable places were in short supply.
That reality pushes many to consider informal or solo care arrangements.
But while leaving a child alone may seem like a necessity, the potential risks—both legal and safety-related—mean it’s a decision that must be taken with great care.
The NSPCC offers resources to help parents assess readiness and plan accordingly. More guidance is available at nspcc.org.uk.