WHEN is your child old enough to be left home alone?

It is a dilemma many parents struggle with - but even more so when childcare comes into question over the long summer break.

Nipping to the shop just a stone's throw away from home is incomprehensible to many parents - even when their child reaches their early teens and can be trusted. There is always that 'what if' niggling away in the back of your mind.

Although there appears to be no hard and fast rule to follow, the general consensus seems to be common sense.

Of course, children shouldn't be left at a young age, but when they become older they mature and many are more sensible and are sufficiently responsible to be left alone - although not for long periods.

Some families with older children at home may feel confident and comfortable about leaving them in charge of younger siblings, but that's not always the case as many fear they may squabble.

The problem for many parents is there doesn't appear to be sufficient clarity - but help is at hand....

According to the national children's charity, the NSPCC, there is no 'one size fits all' solution to this issue.

The law does not give a minimum age for leaving children at home - but it is against the law if leaving your child at home puts them at risk of harm.

The NSPCC revealed its helpline received 453 calls and emails between July and September last year from people concerned about youngsters being left unattended - equivalent to five a day.

Of these, more than three in four - 366 - were deemed serious enough to be passed on to police or social services.

Peter Wanless, the NSPCC's chief executive, said: "Summer holidays can be a fun time for children but it's also when they are more likely to be left home alone as parents face increasing childcare pressures.

"This could explain why we see a spike in calls to our helpline during these months."

He added: "Leaving your child home alone can be a difficult decision as children mature at different ages - there is no 'one size fits all' answer.

"But it could put them at greater risk of accident or injury. So I would urge parents to use their common sense when deciding if their child could cope."

"They should also ask them how they feel about being left alone and talk to them about what to do in an emergency. Parents are best placed to know what is right for their child so it is vital there is flexibility for them to decide."

In the whole of last year the NSPCC's helpline received a total of 1,729 calls and emails from adults concerned about children being left to fend for themselves.

Anne Longfield, Children's Commissioner for England, said: "School holidays can pose challenges for parents, and children may often end up being between the care of friends or families.

"We all remember when the summer holidays seemed like an almost endless period of fun and adventure, but if children are left alone they can get very isolated, or face increased danger and risk of harm. Parents need to be conscious of that.

"Younger children should never be left alone for any length of time, and even with older children it depends on their level of maturity.

"There are extreme cases where younger children are abandoned for long periods and left to cope as best they can so any suspicion this is happening, or a child is being neglected, needs to be reported immediately."

Many parents ponder whether they can leave their child with their friends at home. The NSPCC advises that it is still important to discuss with their child how they feel about being left at home and what they would do in an emergency. Having other children doesn't always make things safer. Parents should consider what may happen if the children were to fall out - would everybody be safe in an emergency?

Preparation in the event of an emergency is imperative. Making a plan will help a parent identify whether their child is emotionally prepared to consider how they would keep themselves safe should something go wrong - according to the charity.

If either the parent or child is uncomfortable about discussing a plan for an emergency, it is a likely indication the child may not be ready to be left at home alone.

Another important question parents will ask themselves is how long can they leave their child alone.

The charity says is it important parents use their discretion and common sense when considering how long they can leave their child for.

It issues the following guidance: Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone; Children under the age of 12 should not be left at home for a long period of time; children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight; a child should never be left at home alone if they do not feel comfortable with this, regardless of their age; if a child has additional needs, these should be considered when leaving them at home alone or with an older sibling.

Yeadon mum, Vicki Gilbert, has three children. Daughter Hope is 14 and a half and sons Jack and Joe are 10 and five.

She says she faced the same dilemma many parents face when wondering what age she could leave her eldest at home for a short period of time.

"But my opinion is it hugely depends on the maturity and attitude and responsibility of the child that is why I suppose they don't put an age on it because all children are different," says Vicki, who runs Tiny Signers, signing classes for babies and children.

Bradford mum-of-five, Ruth Weston, says it is a dilemma for many parents, particularly those on their own who struggle with childcare.

"I found it a very difficult area, but in days gone by everybody knew everybody else," says Ruth.

She says where you live also has a bearing and whether you have the support of good neighbours.

"Communities where you live, who your neighbours are, it is the kind of area you live in, whether you feel safe or not."

Ruth, whose children range from 22 to 11, says she also believes it depends on the child and their siblings. "I have got older children now and the older ones can keep an eye on the younger ones."

"It depends on the age, it depends on your neighbours."

But Ruth appreciates it is a difficult dilemma for many parents. "I haven't solved it and I don't think I will ever solve it, but I think I would like to say to people it takes a village to raise a child," she adds.

Interestingly, Anne-Marie O'Leary, Netmums Editor-in-Chief, says they would back official guidelines, such as legislation, on the issue.

"Children need to be protected and parents need to know what’s acceptable and what’s not. Leaving it up to parents to decide means the majority of parents face a lot of uncertainty and anxiety in making decisions about what to do and, sadly, some children go neglected."