Page 11 - Mossley Browser June 2021

Adver sing feature

At what legal age can A common-sense approach is always best.
children be left home Consider what the potential dangers are

alone? and how your child would deal with the
situations that may occur in your absence.
If in any doubt about your child’s ability
A question that I am often asked - to cope on their own, don’t do it! Take
especially as school holidays approach - leave from work if you need school
is, at what age can a child be left home holidays to be covered or arrange for
alone? another adult or child care facility to care

When parents separate, it can become an for your child. Don’t risk leaving them
issue as each parent can have different alone.
ideas. Some find it acceptable to leave a If a child has been left alone and their
teen home alone during school holidays to safety and wellbeing has suffered, then as
avoid the cost of child care, whilst the a parent you can be taken to court for child
other parent would never dream of doing neglect and could face having your child
such a thing. removed from your care, in addition to a
What surprises most parents is that the law fine and/or custodial sentence. You also
does not specify what age is appropriate. risk it being raised by the other parent as a
But it makes it an offence to leave a child reason you should not spend time with
alone if it places them at risk. It is at the your child.
discretion of the child’s parent to decide If you have
what is best for them taking account of any
their maturity. The law and guidelines are concerns
not particularly helpful and may leave you about child
even more confused. related

The NSPCC published guidance provides: issues
“Children under 12 are rarely mature following
enough to be left alone for a long period separation
of time. from your
Children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone child’s parent, contact Gianna Lisiecki-
overnight. Cunane of O’Donnell Solicitor’s for a no
Babies, toddlers and very young children obligation appointment on 01457 761883
should never be left alone.” or email gianna@odonnellsolicitors.co.uk.

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