ONE of the topics parents often seek support from the NSPCC helpline over is the appropriate age for allowing children to stay at home alone.

This query is quite common, particularly around the school holidays, when many parents worry about making extra childcare arrangements.

Between work and family commitments, it’s inevitable that at some point every parent and carer will have to leave their child home alone, but it can be difficult to know what’s best to do for your child.

As with many parenting topics, while guidance is available, there’s no hard and fast rule that works for all children.

Every child is different, but obviously infants aged 0 to three should never be left alone, even for a few minutes.

While there is no legal age after which a child can be left home alone, it is against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. A child considered not old enough or who doesn’t feel comfortable should never be left.

Learning to be independent is an important part of growing up, and children want to experience more freedom and independence. Of course, that brings concerns for parents and carers, and deciding just how ready they are is a tough decision which differs from child to child. A good way to judge this yourself is by having regular conversations with your child about how they’d feel about being left without supervision. You might be surprised that they feel ready to be left alone, but it’s important to check whether they’re worried about anything and if they know how to contact you or another trusted adult if needed.

Perhaps arrange regular check-ins over the phone or by text to make sure they feel safe while you’re out. Regular check-ins can highlight any concerns while giving you an idea of how you can help them or why they might not be ready to be left alone.

You don’t have to treat them like an adult, but by including your child in building their independence, you can help them develop at their own pace while ensuring they feel like they’re being listened to. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’re on the same page about what they can and can’t do.

Read more about this issue on the NSPCC website, where there’s a quiz to help parents determine whether their child is ready to spend some time at home alone. There are also checklists to keep children safe and advice for leaving children with another trusted adult. Or you can email help@nspcc.org.uk or call 0808 8005000.