The title of this thread is Child Neglect and the Law. I'm just pointing out, regardless of ANY case, past, present or personal, that there IS NO LAW in the UK telling us when we can legally leave our children alone.

There ARE guidelines, there are offences under the Child Protection Act, but there ARE NO LAWS against leaving a toddler alone.

Anyone saying that the McCanns or any other family broke the law by leaving their children alone, is misunderstanding the difference between law and guidelines.

You're right Ake - it should be illegal to leave children under a particular age alone, but unfortunately, it isn't, it's impractical to enforce and in some cases as documented above, impossible to adhere to without major lifestyle difficulties.

My grip is secure enough, thank you.

LTS