If a child is not ready to be left alone it can be a sad, lonely, frightening and dangerous experience. There are many possible risks, both physical and emotional, which could affect your child in a negative way.

In addition, the level of responsibility which is given to the child to look after themselves to somehow manage whatever may happen is impossible for a younger child. They may say that they do not mind being left and may find it exciting initially, but they cannot fully know the possible risks and how to handle them.

Even the relatively ordinary things that happen in life, such as hunger, a storm, the phone ringing or someone coming to the front door can cause problems. An accident, feeling ill or a power cut may occur and these are not issues that a young child could deal with.

In some communities and cultures it is possible to leave children in the knowledge that other adults will assume responsibility for their care. Unfortunately in a city area it is rarely if ever possible to do this.

As a young person reaches adolescence, leaving them alone after school, for an evening or during the day is less concerning as long as they are prepared and aware of what to do if they are worried or need anything. So preparation for this is necessary. If your child is 13 or over and you feel he or she has the maturity and ability to deal with this, it is important that they know where you are and who to contact in an emergency

Guidance on children left alone

The NSPCC have issued guidance that says children under the age of 13 should not be left alone. While this recommendation does not have the force of law it is thought of as good practice because children under 13 do not necessarily have the maturity to manage the responsibility of being left alone, especially if they have a physical or learning disability.

Children neglect by being left alone

The Police and/or Social Services may take action if they believe a child is being neglected by being left alone. Neglect is a serious issue and happens when a parent fails to meet a child’s basic needs for food, shelter, security, attention or protection from exposure to danger.

Warning signs

There are several warning sighs to look out for (delete- for problems) which might happen when children are left alone.

• Parents who have limited support and no one to turn to for help.
• A child who is frequently seen outside and alone for long periods of time.
• Childcare arrangements, like babysitters etc, that keep going wrong.
• If you think that there is an immediate risk to a child you should call the Police.

Alternatives to leaving a child alone

• Think about shared babysitting and talk about this with neighbours, friends or other parents you have contact with. You could find out about after school clubs and holiday play schemes you could access.
• If you are worried about a child being left alone, talk to the parents/s, a health visitor, teacher or social worker.

Services which can help

Children’s Information Service

The Children’s Information Service can give you advice for child care and babysitting options. Tel: (01273) 293545

National Council for One Parent Families

The National Council for One Parent Families can give you advice and support about any issue. The work with and champion the cause of one parent families and understand the pressures they face looking after children. Tel: 0800 018 5026 or 020 7428 5400

Young Carer’s Project

The Brighton & Hove Young Carer’s Project can give advice and support for children who care for or look after their parent/s or someone in the family. (see the ‘Young Carer’s' page on the Young People’s section of the website for more information. Tel: (01273) 234045

Children & Young People's Trust Child Protection Services

Contact the Duty Team for your local area if you have any concerns or are worried about a child left on their own.

Central Duty & Assessment Team Tel: (01273) 294470

(Central Brighton, Preston Park, Withdean, Five Ways, Hanover, Hollingdean, Hollingbury & Patcham)

West Duty & Assessment Team Tel: (01273) 296527

(Hangleton, Knoll, Portslade, Stanford & Hove)

East Duty & Assessment Team Tel: (01273) 295920

(Moulsecoomb, Whitehawk, Queens park, Kemp Town, Bevendean, Coldean, Woodingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean and Ovingdean)

The Police

In an emergency and when you have serious concerns about the safety of a child you should always call the Police. Tel: 999

Downloads

Consider the following when leaving children alone: This download gives you the main points again and lists the advice you should follow when leaving children alone.

Links

www.childrenslegalcentre.com/
The Children's Legal Centre is a unique, independent national charity concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people.

www.nspcc.org.uk/

The NSPCC offers families a range of information, resources and advice regarding a variety of child welfare issues.

www.thecarerscentre.org/

The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove provide local support for anyone who is a carer in the city. They can provide further information about rights, support service, and provide a whole range of advice and information.

www.sussex.police.uk/

Website for Sussex Police which gives you information about the Police, what they are doing in Brighton & Hove and across Sussex, how to report crime and make complaints.

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk

The Brighton & Hove City Council website also offers information regarding a range of issues for parents, carers and families.