LAST year, the NSPCC Helpline referred 11,465 children aged five and under to local agencies because of abuse and neglect - an average of more than 30 babies and young children each day.

These figures accounted for 40 per cent of all referrals by the NSPCC Helpline to agencies like the police and children’s social care in 2023/24. The most common concern about young children was neglect, with more than 5,000 children aged five and under referred because of fears for their safety due to basic needs not being met. As part of these neglect concerns, worries about parent/adult alcohol, drugs or substance misuse and the young child being left alone or unsupervised were regularly raised.

The second biggest concern reported to the Helpline was physical abuse, with reports mentioned children being smacked, hit, punched or kicked and having non-accidental injuries. This led to referrals for 2,344 children aged five and under. A neighbour worried about a child next door told the NSPCC Helpline: “I’m worried about the two-year-old. I hardly ever see her, but I hear her screaming endlessly. No one consoles her. I know crying is normal, it’s the parents’ behaviour that gives me further concern. They’re shouting at each other at all hours, shouting at the two-year-old, slamming doors at 2am. I don’t know if there is physical abuse but I think there could be.”

There could be many reasons for such a high proportion of referrals. We may feel compelled to act when we see a baby or very young child at risk because they’re unable to ask for help themselves. They are completely reliant on their parents and carers. The NSPCC is holding Listen up, Speak up workshops to help people know how to spot when something might be wrong and speak out about it. Email localcampaigns@nspcc.org.uk

It’s also vital that the police, NHS, children’s services and other professionals are given resources they need to work together on keeping the youngest children safe from harm. Every family should have access to quality early years services that support the nurturing relationships children need. These should be delivered locally so there’s a community of support and problems are not left to escalate. The NSPCC is calling on the Government to ensure all the services designed to support the youngest children, such as health visiting and statutory safeguarding partners, are well resourced and work effectively. If the new Government is going to break down barriers to opportunity, it must start at the beginning - by protecting the youngest children.

We also want a national strategy and improved guidance to tackle child neglect. We believe the Government’s plans to push forward reforms to children’s social care and improve multiagency working through their upcoming Children’s Wellbeing Bill must include an urgent focus on neglect.

* The NSPCC Helpline helps people with child welfare concerns and parenting advice. Adults can contact the Helpline on 0808 800 5000, help@NSPCC.org.uk or completing our report abuse online form.