Ask the Expert: Children home alone

I run an after-school club. A 12-year-old lad has confided that he leaves his younger siblings at home to come along while his mum is at work. I'm uneasy but I promised not to tell anyone. Should I invite the other kids?

This is a classic case of the personal clashing with the professional and you need to look at it with your professional head on. You made a promise which, on reflection, you should not have done. It is your duty to pass this information on to social care. You could invite the other children to sessions, but they would still all go home to an empty house so it is a safeguarding issue.

You may be nervous about changing the relationship you have with this boy. But you should have been honest with him and clear about your role and responsibilities.

Talk with your colleagues and set the necessary reporting processes in motion. Also talk to the boy and explain why it's important for you to tell others about his situation. Avoid making promises like this in the future.

Tracie Trimmer-Platman is senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London

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