childcare...home alone?

[mizfiesta]

Can someone tell me what the minimum age is for a child to be able to be left at home alone during the day? I am in a bit of a dilemma as there is going to be a small difference between the time I get home from work (if I take the new job) and the time the kids finish school. I thought about giving the kids a key to get in the house till I arrive home, say around half an hour later? I know I would be able to trust the kids, but what does the law say(Scottish law)? My kids are aged 11.5yrs and 10yrs.

[Greedyfly]

Sorry, when I was at school about 5 yrs ago the legal age to be left alone in the house was 13 yrs of age. I know this because I was questioned by social services one day - they had been watching the house.

[sft42]

Simple way around this (if times will allow) is to get your kids to study in a local library...they'll be safe and you'll know where they are...Hope you find a way around it.

[nykkieberry]

childminder? They only charge about �2 an hour and they will collect your children from school. Alternatively, is there not an afterschool club? Worth it for piece of mind I would have thought.

[banana]

I left my children alone in the same circumstances and all was well. Contrary to what most people think there isnt a minimum age for children to be left alone - its only when something goes wrong that the 'authorities' say afterwards that you were negligent. This is what the merseyside police have to say on the matter.http://www.merseyside.police.uk/FAQ/b/b.html I always made sure that my kids didnt answer the door,have other kids to visit,arrived home together and they always knew where I was and how to get in touch with me or another adult ( a friendly neighbour is always handy).They are growing up and , if they are happy about it this will help them to become more independent of you . Oh (just remembered), and NO cooking !

[darth vader]

agree with banana - but you should find that most schools (including your kids' school i imagine) have "latchkey" clubs which is basically a minder who looks after them after school, in school premises. I was walking home half mile from school with my sister, when i was 9 and she 2 years younger, and into the house on our own, with no problems - though that was 25 years ago - oh how times have changed

[Caladon]

may i suggest that you only take half an hour for lunch? that way you are home that extra half an hour earlier