Age limit

[liverpoolfoo]

Hi wondering if anyone can help me? Is there any kind of law regarding the minimum age somebody must be to be classed as a Baby-sitter/Child-minder? The problem is there is a woman who moved into our road a few months ago. She has 3 boys aged approx 6/7 9/10 & the eldest is about 13/14 She goes out 3 to 4 times a week at about 10.30 pm & stays out all night leaving her eldest son to look after the others until she comes home in the morning. She then gets them off to school but on more than a few occasions she's been late back so they don't go to school!! Surley this isn't right & having had children of our own (who are grown up now) or call me old fashioned but we never did this kind of thing.Unless the law as changed on how old one must be to leave children so young while the mothers out gallavanting all night? I would be greatful for any comments on this matter. Many thanx

[daffy654]

I would voice your concerns with your local Social Services Dept. I don't know whether it is illegal but it sounds very like neglect to me,the mother should be ensuring that the kids go to school (by law) and if she isn't then she needs taking to task!

[Ethel]

There is no law specifying minimum ages, but the NSPCC give guidelines that a 13 or 14 year old can care for younger siblings for an hour or two, if overnight the minimum age should be 16.

It was very common when I was a child for 'latchkey' children of a relatively young age, and older siblings caring for the children and even the household - needs must and all that.

If you think the eldest child is not mature enough, report the family to either the social services, NSPCC or the police.

[ummmm]

What do you mean you have known of this kind of thing? There was a time that younger children were left to take charge as parents had to work or they starved.

You do not know how old the boy is for sure, you're just guessing.

In my town there is no definate law.........I'd say keep your nose out of it.

[ummmm]

For all you know the 13/14 year old could be 16/17 and how do you know that she's not working nights to feed and clothe her children???

[liverpoolfoo]

Dear ummmm i know for def that her eldest is no older than my grandaughter because they are in the same year at school & as for her working nights what a load of C--P. You see the girls Mum lived in the house b4 her & her mum used to say to my wife our ????? was out clubing & drinking all night while her ex stayed in watching the children. Needless to say he (the ex) is no longer with her but she obviously wants to carry on partying regardless of her childrens welfare. I bet your one of these people that if (HEAVEN) forbid anything did happen wud turn a blind eye or say oh they were old enough to look after themselves?????

[Schutzengel]

Take notice of the advice given you by Ethel and Daffy. Don't wait for a tragedy to occur, there have been too many of those recently

[liverpoolfoo]

Hi schutzengel many thanx. That's the thing that worries my wife & I you see far far to many horible things these days

[liverpoolfoo]

Many many thanx to both Ethel & Daffy also for your advice

[Oneeyedvic]

Can I just clarify this - the mother in question is going out at 10.30pm and not returning until approximately 7am (to get the kids ready for school)

Seems very strange hours to keep and I doubt there are many places open for drinking at these times.

Most people I know who go out getting ****** would be out much earlier than that.

[SJC123]

This could be a tough one liverpoolfoo, because I think there are possibly two scenarios. 1. Like you said, going out clubbing etc. Or Working nights to feed and clothe her kids. Personally I wouldn't think the worst of this person on what you have heard from the past, as it may not be very fair towards her. Is it not possible for you to speak to this person and tell her your concerns? Or is that completely out of the question? I remember being 14yrs old in the early 90's and my mum leaving myself and my younger brother who was 11yrs a couple of nights a week to work night shift so we could have food, clothes etc. If she hadn't done this then looking back on it, we would have been in much more hardship. My mother done what she had to do to survive. Bet if you spoke with this person she would have a reasonable explanation, and I guarantee you losing her kids is probably the last thing on her mind.

Sorry for being so long winded. But to answer your question, I believed that the legal age for leaving children unattended for a certain duration of time (more importantly over night in this scenario) would have been 16yrs old.

Think you�d be doing the right thing by having a discussion before jumping straight to the authorities, but I think (and I know it won�t be easy for you) the way forward would be to discuss your concerns with her and if she is working nights, then tell her your not happy with the kids being left alone at nights as you fear the inevitable could happen.

I think Daffy & Ethel are jumping in to the deep end without thinking first. Atleast give the woman the chance to explain and (if needed) change her ways.

[liverpoolfoo]

Hi oneeyedvic just come home from work & seen your ans to my question. Well regarding your comment about ''you don't know anywhere'' that sells drink or any kind of clubs open those hours. Then i think you must of been living on mars for the last however long it as been since the government brought in the 24 hour drinking? I know of lots & lots of places you can get a drink at whatever time of morning, noon, or night. As for the other theory about clubs well even if they aren't open at that time lets just say the woman's only been in our Rd for a short while & as i have been leaving for work she's been dropped off by at least half a dozen different blokes & i don't know about you but i certainly wouldn't kiss a fellow work mate & thank them for a GREAT night. So you make of it what you will