From 7 both my older children could be left for short periods of time. For example going out to the shops etc. Now my oldest is 10 I would say he could be left for longer. Not sure I would go out for an evening to leave him just yet. Maybe when he is 13-15 I would re-assess that.

Most schools are happy for children to go home on their own from Y5 ish, i.e. 10 - and you can imagine that many of those go home and are alone for at least a short while. We expect our secondary school children to travel to/from home alone and you could argue that being alone for a couple of hours in the early evening isn't much different from leaving a (sensible) child home along for a longer period in the evening. So 14 seems old to me - although not for overnight. Obviously a personal choice and one that should only be made within the precise context of the child/house/context involved. Certainly I was left 'home alone' after school and sometimes later into the evening at well under 14, overnight by 15 or 16, but then I was sensible (/boring) so not a big risk! I think it's a good thing that there is no 'law' on this - it is too situation specific. We need to have some common sense.

*there isn't. Groan.

I was surprised to read their isn't a minimum legal age, but here's some advice from the NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice ... 96754.html

Thank you for explaining what I meant! I definitely meant the one when they are looked after ...

Just to clarify re: children flying unaccompanied. It means they are not with someone. BUT they are with an air hostess at all time. You bring them to the chrck in where an hostess take them, they have a bag round their neck with all papers, passport etc. the other bring through the security gates to the gate where an onboard hostess will take them to the plane. They cannot sit alone but next to an adult. The hostess check on them all the time. Same at the other end and for bagage reclaim. The person who pick them up has to bring his/her own passport to prove ID as you would have given the name at the time of booking.
My sisters and I travelled like that each with were going to our grandmother for holidays. It was the most fun way of travelling. The hostess would give us games and sweets, seriously fun. Then we got chocolates from granny because we were "so brave and big girls for travelling on your own". Try it!

As for the OP's question i read it is 14 in this country but happy to be wrong. Seems quite late.

I am afraid I dont know the answer. I have found out however that BA let unaccompanied minors fly from 5 years old. I have wondered whether it would be completely wrong to leave a child with a grandparent fly ahead by a couple of hours and pick them up the other end?! I am joking but hey everyone might have a better flight as my children always behave with other people!

at what age do you let your kids stay at home without a babysitter?