News

Charity's campaign against child neglect highlights warning signs

The charity Action for Children launched a national television advertisement on Monday to highlight child neglect.

The animated advert depicts six-year-old Emily with her adult self in the voiceover talking about how her childhood was blighted by growing up in a dirty home, going without regular meals and baths and the psychological effect this has had.

To highlight the fact that neglect is often overlooked, Emily is shrunk to the size of a matchstick and wanders the streets unnoticed.

The charity said that up to 10 per cent of children in the UK experience neglect - the persistent failure to meet their basic needs - which can have serious results for children's health and development.

It said signs of neglect include a child who is unclean or smells, a child who is wearing inappropriate clothes for their age or a child who is regularly late for nursery or school.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here