What age is OK for a child to use the bus to come home from school?

[Itsamess8456]

Ds is 9 and we live 1.2 miles away from the school.

He doesn't want to go to the childminder anymore (lots of younger children and he appreciates the peace and quiet at home!) and can't see why he can't just jump on the bus (bus stop next to the school and across the road from our house). Dd is 15 and is home before him. They get on really well. Ds, although being 9 is quite mature and mellow. I'm home at 4.15pm

Half of me thinks it would be ok but the other half thinks he's too young....

I have 2 DS ( 7 and 9) they walk 3/4 mile to and from school every day, but they only cross 2 quiet roads and 1 with the lollipop lady. This works as DH is working from home. If they wanted to catch a bus, and there was one like you described, I would be ok with it. We live in a small rural town in Scotland.

When DH goes back to the office, we intend for them to carry on walking home on they days I will be back by 3.30. Meaning I would get in at the same time they do. DS 1 currently has a key for emergencies.

My DD was 11 and a bit when she started getting the bus. My 10 year has been walking home from school in year 6. He’s nearly 11and I think he could cope with bus in the light but I feel 9 is a bit too young unless with older sibling doing journey.

I would let him.