Skip to content.

Summary of risk factors and learning for improved practice around working with children aged two and under

Publication date March 2023

This briefing looks at case reviews published between 2018 and 2022 which involved children aged two and under.  

The large number of case reviews published during this period where children aged two and under were seriously harmed or died reflects the fact that this age group is particularly vulnerable. Infants are unable to communicate their needs verbally so professionals must identify safeguarding and child protection concerns through other means.  

The learning from these reviews highlights that practitioners may need training and support to:  

  • identify and understand lived experience of very young children 
  • understand how parents’ behaviour can affect a baby in the long term 
  • be confident in challenging parents if necessary. 

Published: March 2023 

Infants: learning from case reviews
Download the briefing (PDF)

Browse our full series of learning from case reviews briefings

Our series of thematic briefings highlight the learning from case reviews conducted when a child dies, or is seriously harmed, as a result of abuse or neglect. Each briefing focuses on a different topic or learning for specific sectors, pulling together key risk factors and practice recommendations.

 

See the full series

More about case reviews

We work with local safeguarding partners to ensure that learning from case reviews can be accessed and shared at a local, regional and national level.

Child's hands looking nervous
Featured

Learning from case reviews training

Find out how you can apply the lessons from case reviews and improve your practice to help protect children and young people. 

Book your place
Child looking out of window
Featured

Recently published case reviews

Browse through our list of child safeguarding practice reviews, serious case reviews, significant case reviews and child practice reviews which were added to the National case review repository in the last five years.

Learn more
Newsletters
Featured

Case Reviews Update

Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter alerting you to the case reviews we have added to the National collection of case reviews repository at the NSPCC.

Sign up now

Find out more about case reviews

Related resources

An adult walks down the street next to a baby
Featured

Why language matters: the importance of including babies in the language of safeguarding

When babies are not included in the language of safeguarding, it has an impact on how well they can be supported and protected.

Read the blog
Group of family members talking to a social practitioner
Featured

Supporting children and families at risk

Work with children and families? Our information looks at risk and vulnerability factors that help identify whether children or families require extra support to help keep children safe.

Find out more
A man and a young baby play with shapes
Featured

Early years

Resources, guidance and training to help you support babies, young children and their families.

Find out more

Looking for more research and resources?

Our Library and Information Service provides quick and easy access to the latest information, research and resources on child abuse, child neglect and child protection to help you keep children and young people safe.

Find out more

Looking for more research and resources?

Our Library and Information Service provides quick and easy access to the latest information, research and resources on child abuse, child neglect and child protection to help you keep children and young people safe.

Find out more