Half of primary teachers report rise in child neglect referrals as social services struggle to cope

One headteacher reported pupils living in homes without adequate heating or bedding, while another described washing a child's clothes because their family had no washing machine.

In one disturbing example highlighted by the charity, a mother arrived drunk to collect her two-year-old daughter from nursery.

She had driven there, but staff feared she was incapable of safely looking after the toddler.

They arranged for a friend to collect them instead.

The friend explained that the mother had been struggling since the child's father left.

The nursery worker told the NSPCC: "I don't know how often Mum's drinking is a problem, but she needs some help."

The charity warns even when teachers identify neglect, help can be painfully slow to arrive.

Its 2024 research found 83 per cent of safeguarding professionals believed there were insufficient local services to support neglected children and their families.

More than half of teachers surveyed said children's social care took too long to assess referrals.

And fewer than one in 20 teachers and police officers believed appropriate action was always taken after a neglect referral.

Abigail Gill, the NSPCC's Acting Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: "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."

She warned: "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."

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the teachers union, blamed years of underfunding and weakened cooperation between public services.

He said: "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."

The NSPCC is demanding a national neglect strategy, improved safeguarding training and stronger local family support.

A Government spokesman said: “These findings are deeply concerning and we are determined to protect children from all forms of abuse and neglect. This year we passed the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act which is transforming how public agencies safeguard children, work together and share information. Our statutory guidance also makes clear that neglect is a core concern for local authorities. On top of this, our children’s social care reforms, backed by £2.4 billion investment, prioritises early help and integrated support for children and families and we are creating a Child Protection Authority to provide national leadership on child protection.”