Neglected children must be better protected

More must be done to identify and respond effectively to neglect at the earliest stages so that the most vulnerable children in our society do not remain too long in families where they come to harm, a new report from Ofsted says today.

The inspectorate is calling for all local authorities and local safeguarding children boards to improve their understanding of the extent of neglect in their local area and to develop shared strategies to prioritise action. The report also recommends that social work training is improved to increase professional understanding of the impact of neglect on children's lives.

Today's report, 'In the child's time: Professional responses to neglect' draws on evidence from local authorities, their statutory partners and the views of parents and carers.

Whilst in some areas professionals are working well together to protect and support children who experience neglect, the report finds that overall the quality of professional practice is too variable.

The full report is available to download below.