By Anna Lindsay BBC News, Portsmouth

Charlotte spent time at home for the first time on 6 December

Darren and Debbie Wyatt, of Portsmouth, said Charlotte's consultant confirmed she would be allowed home next Friday.

A spokeswoman for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust was unable to comment.

In October, a previous court order that doctors need not give Charlotte artificial ventilation in a life-threatening situation was lifted.

We're going to have to have eyes in the back of our heads but that's just something we're going to have to get used to Darren Wyatt

The Wyatts were previously told Charlotte would not be making her second visit home until the New Year.

She made her first visit home - supervised by medical staff - for two hours on 6 December.

Until then, Charlotte had never left the grounds of St Mary's Hospital, where she has spent her whole life.

The visit came just six weeks after the High Court lifted a ruling which said doctors need not resuscitate Charlotte in a life-threatening situation, if they decided it was not in her best interests.

Doctors still have the right to make a final decision but must now consult with Charlotte's parents and take into account their wishes before making a decision.

Two-year-old Charlotte has lived in hospital since she was born

Charlotte - who needs oxygen around the clock - was left severely disabled when she was born three months early weighing just 1lb (0.45kg).

She has defied the 5% chance of survival doctors gave her and her parents say she is now aware of her surroundings, reaches out and smiles.

Mr Wyatt, 33, told the BBC News website he and his wife Debbie, 24, were "really, really happy" that Charlotte was being allowed home next week.

"Things are looking really good.

Private training

"Debbie just had the call from the consultant to say Charlotte can come home next Friday.

"We're going to have to have eyes in the back of our heads but that's just something we're going to have to get used to."

Charlotte and her father open an early Christmas present at home

Despite next Friday's visit the Wyatts, who have three other young children including a newborn, are hoping Charlotte may be allowed home for a few hours on Christmas Day - paving the way for her to live at home permanently.

Mr Wyatt said the couple have been told by the hospital they need more training before they can have Charlotte home unsupervised.

They are now paying for private lessons from a paediatric nurse, using money from Charlotte's trust fund.

The first session is due to begin on Friday 16 December.

Pat Forsyth, spokeswoman for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, said she could not comment because the matter was private due to patient confidentiality.