The NSPCC has revealed increasing fears from members of the public about children being left home alone in Bucks.

As the long school summer break approaches, the leading children’s charity has revealed that specialist counsellors on its 24-hour Helpline made 40 referrals last year (2016/17) to police and children’s services in the county - up from 26 referrals made in 2015/16.

A total of 26 referrals made in 2016/17 came from the Buckinghamshire County Council area, while 14 came from Milton Keynes.

Worried callers to the NSPCC Helpline have reported children being left alone overnight and young children left to feed themselves and use dangerous kitchen equipment.

Although the law does not give a minimum age at which children can be left on their own, parents and carers can be prosecuted for neglect if children are put at risk of suffering or injury.  

The NSPCC is warning that although a child may seem responsible enough to be left alone without supervision, parents and carers should think carefully whether they would be able to cope with unexpected situations such as an emergency, a stranger calling at the house, being hungry or if the parent is away for longer than they thought.

NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless said: “Deciding if a child is ready to be left on their own can be a very difficult decision and the summer holidays can be a difficult time for parents and carers as they face increasing childcare pressures.

“Although there is no minimum age, no child should be left on their own if there is any risk they will come to harm.

“Children mature at their own rate so it’s really important parents think carefully about what is right for their child.

“Children shouldn’t be left on their own if they are not happy with being left, or if they don’t know what to do in an emergency.”

The NSPCC’s helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 800 5000 for free and confidential advice.