Babysitting and Leaving Kids Home Alone Guidelines in the UK
-
There is no minimum age at which children in the UK can be left on their own. Parents are legally responsible if the babysitter is under 16.
-
Once a young person reaches 16 they can leave home. Parents are responsible until age 18.
-
Kids can start babysitting around age 11 or 12 for short periods. Avoid leaving them overnight until the oldest child is 16.
-
If you choose a family member as a caretaker, use minimum wage as a guide:
- Under 18: £4.62 per hour
- 18 to 20: £6.56 per hour
- 21 to 22: £8.36 per hour
-
Children 10-12 years can be left alone for up to 12 hours but not between 10pm and 6am. They should have an adult available and can care for one or two young children.
-
There’s no legal babysitting age. Parents remain responsible if the babysitter is under 16.
-
16 to 17 year olds may go unsupervised, at times overnight, for up to two periods.
Babysitting Courses for Kids
- You typically have to be at least 11 years old to take babysitting courses.
- Search for “Red Cross Babysitting and Child Care Training”.