While young people look forward to a long summer break, parents and carers might find themselves worried about childcare.

The NSPCC’s Helpline handled more than 7,800 calls last year from people concerned about a child left home alone or unsupervised - an increase of 65 per cent on the previous year. More than half those calls were serious enough to warrant referrals by the Helpline to local agencies with a view to further action to ensure children were safe. More than 500 referrals were made in this region.

Part of the increase could be due to a successful NSPCC Helpline marketing campaign making more people aware of the service. But for many parents, July and August can be difficult as they’re forced to balance pressures of work and childcare. These challenges are likely to be more acute as the cost-of-living crisis continues, forcing some parents and carers to work increased hours or take part-time jobs. That could leave them uncertain about whether their child is ready to be left unsupervised. One adult who contacted the NSPCC Helpline concerned about their neighbour’s two young daughters said: “They’re left home alone quite a lot, unsupervised with the family’s dogs. I’ve knocked a few times to see if they’re ok and they always say, ‘Daddy will be back soon’ but it’s usually hours later when one of the parents comes back.”

There’s no legal minimum age for leaving children home alone, but the NSPCC would not recommend leaving any child under 12 at home unsupervised, especially for extended periods of time. A child who expresses concern about being left alone should never be without a parent or carer and for young people who do feel comfortable, it is vital they are left with contact numbers for a parent, carer or trusted adult.

Our Childline counsellors hear from young people who felt afraid or neglected being left unsupervised or alone for long periods of time. One 14-year-old said: “Mum expects me to look after myself. There isn’t always food I can cook, I can’t go and see my friends or do anything fun.”

Every child is different, the first time being left alone differ for every family. It’s important to have conversations with children about how they feel about the responsibility of staying home alone for a period of time. If they’re not comfortable, further considerations need to be made.

Parents who need advice about a child or anyone concerned about a child who might be at risk can contact NSPCC on 0808 8005000 or help@nspcc.org.uk

Childline counsellors are on 0800 1111 and at childline.org.uk