Half of primary school teachers report a rise in safeguarding referrals linked to neglect

More than half of early years staff and almost half of primary school teachers have reported an increase in safeguarding referrals linked to child neglect, according to new survey findings from NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union.

The union’s annual survey of 11,009 members found that 53% of early years staff and 48% of primary school teachers had seen a rise in neglect-related referrals. Across the UK education sector, 35% of teachers reported an increase, while 53% said safeguarding referrals overall had risen.

Neglect was the form of abuse with the biggest reported increase in referrals among both early years staff and primary school teachers, ahead of sexual, emotional and physical abuse.

The findings have prompted the NSPCC to call on the Government to introduce a national child neglect strategy, alongside improved guidance, training and local support for children and families.

The charity warned that neglect during a child’s early years can have lasting consequences for development, physical health and wellbeing, and is associated with an increased risk of mental health concerns later in life. It said identifying concerns and providing help as early as possible are crucial to improving long-term outcomes.

Teachers, who often see children daily, can be among the first professionals to recognise signs that a child may be experiencing neglect. However, previous NSPCC research has found that referrals do not always lead to the support families need, sometimes because services are unavailable or children do not meet statutory thresholds for intervention.

This can leave education professionals concerned about children’s welfare while difficulties persist or escalate.

One early years professional who contacted the NSPCC Helpline described concerns about a two-year-old whose mother arrived at pick-up intoxicated and had driven to collect the child. The professional said the mother was unable to take responsibility for the child at the time, and a friend was contacted to help. The friend explained that the mother had been having a difficult time following the child’s father leaving the family.

The professional said: "I don't know how often mum's drinking is a problem, but she needs some help".

The NSPCC welcomed recent Government investment in children’s services, including a greater focus on prevention and early intervention, but said neglect needed more specific attention. It is calling for a national strategy that ensures robust local support is available before family difficulties escalate and children experience further harm.

The charity also said a strategy should improve training for safeguarding partner agencies, including education professionals, to develop a shared understanding and language around neglect. This, it argued, would help strengthen education’s role as a safeguarding partner and ensure children and families receive appropriate support.

Abigail Gill, Acting Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NSPCC, said: "Teachers play a crucial role in spotting early warning signs that a child may be experiencing harm, and it is deeply concerning to see that those caring for our youngest children are reporting the highest rise in cases of neglect.

"Neglect can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on a child's life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked forms of child abuse. Teachers are among the first people to notice when something is wrong, but even after reporting concerns, support isn't always offered, and they can often just be left to worry and see problems persist.

"Despite the serious harm neglect causes, it still does not receive the attention or urgency it deserves from Government. We urge the Government to put neglect at the heart of their reforms to children social care by introducing a national strategy that ensures professionals and families have the support they need to prevent neglect before it escalates into further harm".

Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary, said the survey suggested that rising concerns about neglect were not being matched by sufficient capacity in wider children’s and family services.

"Our data suggests concerns about levels of child neglect in school are rising, but that there is no corresponding increase in capacity from wider childrens and family services to investigate and take steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the child.

"The dismantling of structures to support multi-agency working and the under-funding of public services across health, social services and education over time has created a vacuum where teachers and school leaders are too often struggling to get external support to deal with neglect-related concerns about children.

"Teachers are trying to do their best for the children they teach, but neglect is a serious child protection issue that needs a national level response.

"Schools and education professionals must have access to timely advice, specialist support and effective referral pathways, enabling children and young people's needs to be addressed by the most appropriate service or professional."