In scotland it is the "Children (Scotland) act 1995", which states some unknowns e.g. "age child can be left on their own in the house" - there is now law, but you are responsible for their welfare. Their are only recommendations from social services on this.
Leaving children on their own
There is no law that determines the minimum age that a child can be left alone. However, there is a law about neglecting children and you are legally responsible for the safety of your child. Babies and young children should never be left on their own, however tempting it may seem when a child is asleep and you only plan to be out for a while.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) gives the following advice about leaving children alone:
- Never leave babies or young children home alone (whether sleeping or awake), not even for a few minutes.
- Until the age of about 13 most children are not mature enough to cope with an emergency and should not be left alone for more than a very short time.
- If children do have to be alone, give them clear instructions about what to do if there is a problem. Leave a list of people you trust who they can go to or telephone for help, such as a neighbour or close relative. And remember to put all obvious dangers out of reach before you go (eg. medicines, chemicals, matches or sharp objects).
- No child or young person under 16 should be left alone overnight.
(Taken from Home alone: Advice for parents, published free by the NSPCC leaflet no. 0279).