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Original poster

What would you think to a year 3 child, walking to and from school alone everyday, coming home to an empty home till about 5.30pm, and spending all the summer holidays at home alone

234 replies

Lardlizard · 27/02/2020 08:32

Apart from the odd week or two the mum could take off work for holidays rest of the time the child is home alone

OP posts:
KedsAndTubeSocks · 27/02/2020 08:34

I'd call social services.

Sirzy · 27/02/2020 08:34

I would say it would be a major safeguarding red flag

DuesToTheDirt · 27/02/2020 08:34

That's what, 8? Absolutely not. I might be OK with them walking home if it was very close and a safe route, with someone waiting for them, but the rest no way.

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Divebar · 27/02/2020 08:34

Completely inappropriate and in need of a referral but I dare say people will be along to defend it any moment.

Bluewater1 · 27/02/2020 08:35

I think that's neglectful tbh. I'd report it

CodenameVillanelle · 27/02/2020 08:35

That's far too much time alone and qualifies as neglect at that age

8by8 · 27/02/2020 08:35

Much too young.

Tell the school if you know of somebody who’s planning on this - they’ll be able to raise it as a safeguarding/welfare issue with the appropriate agencies.

cindylouwhosplaits · 27/02/2020 08:36

Would school allow a Year 3 child to leave the premises without an adult? Ours aren't allowed to until Year 5.

YippeeKayakOtherBuckets · 27/02/2020 08:36

Absolutely not ok. I have an 8 yo and this is just unthinkable.

Pilot12 · 27/02/2020 08:36

Three year olds don't go to school......

LittleBearPad · 27/02/2020 08:37

An 8 year old is far too young for this. The mother needs to arrange childcare

DollyMopo · 27/02/2020 08:38

No way!

MrMeSeeks · 27/02/2020 08:38

Three year olds don't go to school

Year 3, not age 3

Iloveacurry · 27/02/2020 08:40

The child is only 7 or 8 years old. This is not on. Surprised the school lets them out by themselves at the end of the day.

OhWellThatsJustGreat · 27/02/2020 08:40

I think as a one off it wouldnt be a problem. But every evening and all school holidays? Putting the idea it's neglectful aside, it's not fair on the child, they aren't going to be able to do anything except use whatever entertainment is in the house, they'll get soo bored and major cabin fever.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 27/02/2020 08:40

Where I live year 4's are allowed to walk to and from school as long as the school is informed as by year 5 the majority walk to school independently.

Child care is needed for the rest of the time.

Shouldbedoing · 27/02/2020 08:41

Far too young
Especially the holidays

TheYeaSayer · 27/02/2020 08:51

If you're wondering whether or not to report someone who has this set up for their child, then the answer is yes.

BarbaraofSeville · 27/02/2020 08:55

The only part of that situation that could possibly be OK would be walking between school and home if they are literally a couple of minutes walk apart with no roads to cross.

No-one could possibly think that the rest is OK for even the most responsible 8 YO, why are you asking?

Waxonwaxoff0 · 27/02/2020 08:55

Far too young. I'd consider that neglect.

BikeRunSki · 27/02/2020 09:01

Thus is surely neglect?

BackyardChickens · 27/02/2020 09:01

Really sad and neglectful.

NowWhatUsernameShallIHave · 27/02/2020 09:04

My DS school doesn’t allow kids from yr 5 or under to walk home alone

SallyWD · 27/02/2020 09:07

Poor child. What a lonely life. That's not acceptable.

ScorpionQueen · 27/02/2020 09:12

Far too young. If it is a child you know, you need to speak to the school. If it is your situation, you need to get some support in place. It's hard, I don't want to judge, but that is far too young to be so independent.