Involvement in drugs and alcohol. Levels of smoking may be a concern.

Issues such as poverty may impact on ability to provide adequate nutrition for mother and unborn baby

Parental childhood trauma or mental illness support needs that may present risks to the unborn baby. May also be coping with domestic abuse

Known or possible learning difficulties or physical or mental disability

History of chaotic or unpredictable behaviours. May also be living in poor home conditions, homeless or temporary accommodation

Other issues to think about are levels of support, whether mother is at risk of sexual exploitation, young or teenage parent and care experienced.

Responding late to a baby that is unwell and not seeking timely medical treatment. Not attending routine health screening appointments may be indicative.

Under-nourishment leads to restricted growth and brain development. There can also be a link between physical needs and obesity.

Lack of stimulation can prevent babies neural development. Attachments can be damaged, which makes learning more difficult.

Some parts of the brain are dependent on experience and stimulation to develop. Language relies on reinforcement and feedback from carers. Neglect can be a significant factor in delaying a child’s language development e.g. through the amount and quality of interactions with carers. This delay affects their education.

Dirty home conditions may affect infant immune systems; lack of changing and nappy rash; lack of encouragement may delay skill development. Child may present as dirty or malnourished, and living conditions may be poor. Child may not have been toilet trained, sleeping sufficient or have adequate boundaries.

Babies should be supervised at all times, particularly when lying on surfaces they could fall from or in the bath. If babies are left abandoned, this can affect the development of attachments.

May include missed health and dental appointments, and not seeking medical treatment or presenting late following accidents or for routine conditions.

Not eating enough per day or unregulated amounts of fat and sugar in the diet, which can lead to heart problems, obesity and tooth decay.

Without a secure attachment a child may experience difficulties playing with peers, sharing feelings and thoughts, coping with frustration and developing empathy.

Neglect can be a significant factor in delaying a child’s language development e.g. through the amount and quality of interactions with carers. This delay affects their education.

Child may present as dirty or malnourished, and living conditions may be poor. Child may not have been toilet trained, sleeping sufficient or have adequate boundaries.

Home may lack safety devices e.g. stair gates, dangerous items such as drugs or knives may be within reach, child may not have appropriate car seat, child may be left home alone.

Children may have more infections and illnesses than their peers due to poor treatment, or lack of prevention e.g. through washing hands, good diet or adequate sleep.

Food isn’t provided consistently, leading to unregulated diets of biscuits and sweets. Concerns should not just focus on weight; children of normal weight could still have unhealthy diets.

Insecure attachment styles can lead to children having difficulties forming relationships, and may express their frustration at not having friends through disruptive behaviour.

Neglected children can experience a number of disadvantages at school, including low educational aspirations, lack of encouragement for learning and language stimulation.

Ill-fitting, inadequate or dirty clothing, poor personal hygiene, lack of sleep, lack of routines or boundaries which can lead to frustration with school rules and boundaries.

Primary school children may be left home alone after school, or expected to supervise younger children. They may be left to play outside alone or to cook meals without supervision.

Poor self-esteem and recklessness can lead to ignoring or enduring health problems and not accessing services. There may also be risk-taking behaviour e.g. in sexual activity.

Adolescents may be able to find food, but lack of nutritious food and limited cooking skills can lead to unhealthy snacks, which affects both health and educational outcomes.

Peer groups and independence are important at this age; young people who are isolated or neglected (e.g. through poor hygiene) will struggle. Conflict with carers may also increase.

The cumulative effect of neglect on adolescents may result in less engagement in school, challenging behaviour, low confidence, pessimism about their own ability resulting in poorer academic achievement.

Poor personal hygiene may be present. Young people may be materially deprived and lack of access to personal possessions, and clothing similar to peers. This may compound issues with peer relationships and self-esteem.

Lack of curiosity about wellbeing, peer group and interests may impact on a young person feeling unloved and not cared for. They may seek other ways to meet their needs and to situations causing harm e.g. offending behaviour, unhealthy relationships, alcohol and drug use.