PARENTS thinking of leaving their children at home while they head out are being urged to read the latest NSPCC advice.

Managing work and childcare in the six-week summer holiday can present challenges for parents, so the organisation has offered its advice on what can and should be done.

There is no legal age a child can be left home alone as every child matures differently, but it is against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk.

In 2021 the charity’s helpline made 566 referrals to agencies in the West Midlands following contacts about children being left alone without supervision of an adult, a 23 per cent increase from the previous year.

A spokesperson said: "We would advise a child who doesn’t feel comfortable shouldn’t be left alone.

"Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period of time.

"And children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight."

See the NSPCC website at nspcc.org.uk/homealone

The NSPCC Helpline is also available for any parent who needs help or support about any concern.

If you are worried about a child, even if you are unsure, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk