leaving children alone in the house

[jennifersofia]

At what age can you legally leave children alone in the house? What about if there is more than one child (eg siblings, 9yrs and 2yrs)?

i think its eleven for leaving on thoer own but i think its fourteen to baby sit a child youger than eleven but im not 100 percent sure i am sure someone more knoweledgeable then me will tell you soon.

I found this on the directgov website:

"The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) advises that:
-children under the age of about 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time
-children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight
-babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone

I wouldn't be so worried about leaving a 9 yr old for a short period - but would never leave a toddler with anyone other than a responsible older teen or adult.

There is no age in law.
No one under the age of 16 can be held responsible if left to care for other children under 16.

Each case is based on individul circumstances.
You might have a mature 11yr old who can be left for an hour or so, or an immature 14 yr old wh couldnt be left at alll.

Thanks - was trying to explain to dh why I didn't feel quite comfortable about it (dc 9,7 plus 7 yr old friend left alone with sleeping toddler for 30 min - mobile number left on table for 9 yr old if needed help).
To be fair, the older girls are extremely sensible (as is friend) and toddler does usually sleep soundly, and dh was saying that he really umm-ed and ahh-ed about whether or not he should go.
Still didn't feel right to me though.

I wouldn't leave the older ones with responsibility for a 2 year old because I think that's a bit young. 20 mins, fine. 2 hours, no I wouldn't

jesus anyone leaving a two year old iwth a child under 14 needs ther heads examined! ive only just started to leave ds12 for half an hour! woudnt dream of leaving dd10 alone unless i was just popping next doorfor two minutes!

You wouldn't leave a 10yO alone for 2 mins kittycat? Why ever not?

My nephew goes to school on the bus on his own at that age and he's got ASD

I don't mind leaving my 9 yr old alone for 20 minutes (or my 7 yr old for that matter). They both have my mobile number and know how to use it. They are very sensible. Seems okay.
I actually think it is good for children to have a mild degree of independence. It can be empowering, as long as you assess the risks carefully.
I also let 9 yr old cross a minor 1 way road and go to corner shop on her own for 10 minutes to get her Beano. We are in central London, but it has always been fine. She has always been very careful, and is proud of her independence.

depends what level of ASD he has i suppose but the school bus is not totally unsupervised is it or is a child driving the bus! MY DS has ASD and i wouldnt have left him alone for one minute at 10! not all children are the same though and some mature at different rates so i think alot of it is a judgemnet call you leave your child alone and something happens its on your own consious.

I leave my 10 yr old for half an hour now and again.
HE is also allowed to walk to friends homes about 15 mins away.

Each case is different.
In response to OP I would leave 9 yr old, but NOT in charge of a toddler>

No it's not a school bus, it's a public bus. He is able to wait at the stop, get on the bus, travel for 5-10 mins and get off at the right stop, cross the road and go to school.

Your DD doesn't have ASD does she? So I'd imagine she'd also be able to cope with that.

LADYBISCUIT child of 10 travelling on public transport cross a road etc, you sure he has ASD dont sound like it to me. or else must be mild. dd is not asd .
in response to OP i would not leave a 9 year old in charge of a toddler of 2.

Yes he does have ASD - well he's been assessed as that and is statemented. But given that my sister (his mother) and I used to go off on our bicycles all day long alone at his age during the holidays, I think that's not really such a difficult thing to do (it is pretty mild though as you said)

Again its parental choice hear some will agree some not.thats the was things are in the world, people have to make there own choices and being a parent you are always making desions for your children in the hope you are doing the right things, none of us have a crystal ball and can only hope that are decisions will benfit our children.
ladybiscuit; best of luck your newphew sounds like he will be trully independant and have a fullfillg life.

Yes, I agree maryz. We have agreed not to do it again!

Thanks kittycat - I really hope so