To consider leaving my dds on their own for 30 mins in the morning?

[BoBoo]

DDs currently year 5 and 6 and at the moment, I need to leave for work just after 8am and they go to breakfast club. I am considering letting them stay at home by themselves for half an hour after I leave, when they would then walk themselves to school.

Both are very sensible, especially the eldest. She has a mobile, so could contact me if needed and our neighbour works from home so would be there if needed in case of an emergency. This would save us around £200 a month, which would be lovely, but I am also keen to increase responsibility and independence in preparation for secondary school next year. They are both comfortable with the idea. Do other people do similar, or AIBU?

Absolutely, I saw mine on to the bus at that age and then they got themselves to and from school including crossing a busy (6 lane) road on the way home. They had a key to let themselves in if I wasn't there - most of the year 6s were taking themselves to and from school.

It's good to foster a bit of independence at that age. I'd give the school a heads up so if they start strolling in late they get into trouble.

I came on this thread earlier to say that my very sensible year 5 boy walks himself home from school and spends up to an hour on his own while I get back from work.

However. .... he called me from the house phone at 3.30 today to say that he had forgotten his key and climbed through the front window (which he had left unlocked when I asked him to close it last night! )

So I take it all back 😯

He says that, if he hadn't been able to get in, he would have gone back to school or knocked on a neighbour's door.

Yes I would do this. Where we are loads of year 5 and 6 walk to or from school. I let my 10 year old stay at home for half an hour too. She knows she isn't allowed to use the hob and has a phone to call me if any problem. As long as you run through locking up with them and have a way for them to remember when to leave. You could even call them to remind them. Or ask them to text you just before entering school gates or similar.