Neglected older children
A new report shows older children who are suffering neglect are 'unseen' by the services that should be supporting them. The report, taken from the findings of a series of joint area deep dive inspections by Ofsted alongside inspectors from the Care Quality Commission, HM Probation and HM Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, reveals that neglected older children are more likely to go missing from home, become involved in criminal activity or be exploited. The report highlights that services were less likely to spot signs of neglect affecting children aged seven to fifteen than their younger peers, calling for a more coordinated approach from local agencies to safeguard this vulnerable group. The report also called for children's professionals to have access to better training on how to spot the neglect of older children. It is estimated that more than 11% of eleven to seventeen year olds in the UK will have experienced neglect at some point in their lives.* Sam Royston, director of policy and research at The Children's Society, highlights that: 'More training is needed to ensure professionals working with both children and adults, including those working in schools, can identify situations where there may be neglect and share information about any concerns they may have.'
Read about the findings of the report based on inspections in six local authority areas: Bristol; Cheshire West and Chester; Haringey; Peterborough; Stockton-on-Tees; and Wokingham.
SSS Learning Safeguarding Director
