How old does a child have to be to be left at home in the UK during the holidays?

I would say that it would depend completely on the child.

As mine is only five I can't say how old she will be when I will leave her as I don't yet know how sensible and mature she will be but I'll be looking at the following when the time comes:

Maturity

Trustworthiness

Independence

Can they cook for themselves? Do they know who and who not to let in the house? Do they know what to class as an 'emergency' and when they should call their parents home?

That said, my brother was VERY mature yet still managed to flood the kitchen when left alone at SEVENTEEN!

Maybe you could do some trial runs? Leave them for 2 hours, half a day, a full day and see how they cope?

I've said from the start that these two children should have been brought back to GB - check my early answers! What life did they have stuck in a bloody creche everyday - until they got chucked out because of the media. The McC's had the cheek to moan about the media circus - this was after THEY feted them, to get them on-side in order to keep the search for Madeleine high-profile. Those wee kids will never have a normal life again, regardless of whether their parents are charged or not. It's a crying shame!

it depends really on how sensible the child is. My son, when he aws just 8 wouldn't come with me to do shopping, and wanted to be left home alone, whatever i said. It was only for an hr or so. But my daughter, who's now 10, has never been left on her own, simply because she doesn't want to be alone. so if your child is ok with it, and you know how sensible he/she is. But i still think for that amount of time would be worrying for the parents. Maybe you and husband can take it in turn to pop back home on check on hime, in your breaks and lunchtime.

I would say any age after 12. But depending on how mature the child is.

<3

Over 13.

I'd say it depends on how much you trust the kid.

Can he/she be trusted to lock up the house at night. not throw any parties. Are they able to feed themselves proper meals 3 times a day?

I would say 16 is a good age to trust kids. i would definately lay down some rules before i left though

I was under the impression the age in Ireland is 14 so i guess its probably the same in the U.K.

It depends on how mature the child is, but I wouldn't let anyone under 13 stay home alone.

well it all depend on how your child acts well he/she is mature enough then go ahead but i really thin 13 is the best age to leave your child ta home bye his/her self

over 13 in my opinion