Child neglect? Should I report it?

[Toffeefudgecake]

Have twice met a little girl (7) on her own in a local playground attached to some flats. The first time she was with her four-year-old sister. The second time she was on her own. On neither occasion did she or her sister have an adult with her. She became very attached to me and my son (4) and we spent a long time with her. She was cold so I lent her my cardigan to wear. She told me that she was allowed to play out alone till 9pm.

On the first time, I left her and her little sister playing alone in the playground, which went against all my instincts. On the second occasion (when she was alone), I walked her back to her flat because she said she was frightened of going up the stairs on her own. I heard her mother greet her as she walked in. However, as I walked away, I saw her come out again.

She was a sweet little thing and I felt very protective of her and worried that she was vulnerable. I think she knows a lot of people in the flats, but even so she did seem very exposed. Also, she attached herself very quickly to me and even sat on my lap. Obviously, I am no risk, but someone else might be.

I don't know what to do. I don't think she is the only child allowed to play out alone at such a young age in this environment. I don't agree with it myself, but lots of parents around there seem to do it. I don't want to mess up her family life, but I don't want a child to be so vulnerable either.

What would you do? And if there are any social workers or other childcare professionals out there, what would you advise? I know which school she goes to, incidentally, so I was wondering if I should approach them.

Phone the police on the non emergency number. As an infant teacher we often get police reports on children when concerned memners of the public have called them and they go round to check. All the rest of the argument is just superfluous - do what needs to be done for the child - it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks really.

You did the right thing OP.
First rule of thumb, If you are concerned about a child call social services. I don't give a fig if 50% of calls are uness' if we didnt phone what would happen to the other 50%?
My daughter(nearly 6) went on rainbows camp, overnight last christmas. Two weeks after i got a visit from SS. They;d had a call from the rainbow leader, she was concerned about a bruise on DD leg, and the fact DD wouldn't settle that night and cried for me.
I was FUMING at the time. Absolutly flipping fuming. However once i'd taken stock of the concerns(even though in my mind it was petty, 5year olds always have bumped legs and what 5year old away from her mum for the first time wouldnt be distressed?) I was glad they contacted SS. It ment if some one was hurting my child i would have known. I was more pee'd off with rainbows that when dad went to collect her the next day they didnt mention her being distressed etc....

For what its worth i wouldnt let my kids play out alone. The only time they play out the front is if i sit on my front garden watching them. My neighbour lets her 7year old out unsupervised but thats her choice. I do let them play in the garden alone though as its fenced in and gates locked, doesnt stop someone determined from getting in though does it i guess? I wasn't allowed out alone until i was 11, and even then it was only to walk to school!

Phone the police there is no way a 7 year old should be outside without her mum, and leaving a 4 year old with her is dispicable x