NSPCC is calling for a radical reform of children’s social care

The NSPCC, along with other leading children’s charities, is calling on all parties to commit to radically reforming children’s social care. We want a commitment for investment in early intervention services to support families and protect babies and the youngest children who are at risk of abuse and neglect.

Time and again, we have seen stories of children experiencing horrific abuse and neglect. In many cases, reviews have found failings at local and national levels which led to the voices of children not being heard before it was too late. New figures show that the number of child cruelty crimes against children aged five and under have risen year-on-year with a 16per cent increase on pre-pandemic levels and more than 9,300 offences last year. The Children’s Charities Coalition, consisting of Action for Children, Barnardo’s, The Children’s Society, National Children’s Bureau and the NSPCC, has released the figures to highlight that many babies and young children are not getting the safe, happy, healthy start that can help to tackle inequalities and lay foundations for them to thrive. They are particularly vulnerable as they’re entirely dependent on adults around them. Pre-school children are less visible to professionals like teachers.

In recent years, the nation has been shocked by the tragic deaths of very young children including Star Hobson, and reviews have called for radical reform and investment in the systems that should keep children safe. By investing in early intervention and family help services, all children will be given the chance of a safer, happier start, rather than relying on intervention when a family is in crisis. With a commitment to rebuilding the health visitor workforce, safeguarding young children and expanding family hubs, the next Government could provide a lifeline to families and protect children before they come to harm. Together with over 200 supportive organisations, we’re urging political party leaders to put children at the centre of policy making ahead of the General Election. We’re calling this campaign Children at the Table, because we want future Governments to ensure the youngest, most vulnerable members of society have their needs considered. We want policy that addresses poverty and school absenteeism, physical and mental health crises and a children’s social care system that’s struggling to cope. We want a commitment to increase the proportion of national wealth invested in babies, children and young people, backed by a plan to eradicate child poverty, with a Bill to achieve this outlined in the first King’s Speech of the new Parliament. The country needs wholesale reform of children’s social care.

More than 24,000 people have signed an online petition backing this campaign. It’s time for party leaders to show the political will urgently needed to protect future generations.