Looking after Children
Most parents want to do their best for their children, but sometimes family life can be difficult. Advice for parents can be found at www.parentlineplus.org.uk or by phoning free on 0808 800 2222. You can find out about parental responsibilities at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents.
Young babies and children up to five years of age are seen regularly by a health visitor at home or at a clinic. You can ask the health visitor for advice about caring for your child.
Children under 16 should not be left at home alone. It is an offence to leave a child alone if doing so puts the child at risk. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) recommends that children under the age of 13 are rarely mature enough to leave at home unsupervised. Children under the age of 16 should not be on their own overnight. Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left on their own.
If you decide to leave a child alone, you should:
1. Leave a contact phone number and make sure you are able to answer it immediately.
2. Make sure the child knows how to make a phone call.
3. If you are using a mobile phone, ensure there is sufficient credit and battery power.
4. Explain to the child how to stay safe, e.g. not opening the door to strangers.
5. Make sure potentially dangerous objects are out of reach.
6. Leave clear instructions about what to do in an emergency.
7. Tell the child what time you will return, and do not be late.
8. Give them some basic rules about what they can and cannot do while you are away.
9. Teach them basic first aid.
10. Make sure they are happy to be left alone - if they are not, you should get a childminder.
See the section on childcare in Part C.