Ofsted has confirmed that joint targeted area inspections (JTAIs) focusing on younger children living with neglect will begin in autumn 2026, with local leaders to be notified 10 working days before each inspection. The announcement was made on September 4, ahead of the first inspections expected before Christmas 2026.
The inspections will be carried out by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP). They will assess how children’s social care, the police, probation services and relevant health services in a local area work together to respond to children who are at risk of, or are living with, neglect.
Focus on unborn children and under-12s
This round of inspections will focus on unborn children and children aged 0 to 11. Inspectors will look at how agencies assess, plan and make decisions in response to notifications and referrals about children at risk of neglect. They will also examine how agencies protect, support and care for these children, and how they work to prevent neglect from occurring in the first place.
Local leaders will be notified of an inspection 10 working days before it begins. This notification will usually be sent on a Monday, although it may be sent earlier if there is a bank holiday in week 1 or 2 of the inspection.
Previous findings highlight need for coordinated approach
Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care, said: "Our previous work has shown that neglect can go unseen, with children left to suffer harm that builds gradually and is too often missed." She added: "In 2018, we published a report on older children living with neglect, which found that tackling the issue requires a coordinated strategic approach across all agencies."
Stanley explained that the decision to focus on younger children reflects "the particular concern from families, professionals and the public about the impact of neglect on our youngest children." She said it is "the right time to turn our attention to this age group in our upcoming JTAI."
Multi-agency inspection programme
Kathryn Stone OBE, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, said: "Children who experience neglect are often among the most vulnerable in our communities and protecting them requires agencies to work together effectively and consistently." She noted that the multi-agency inspection programme will allow the inspectorates to "better understand how local partners identify, respond to and support young children experiencing neglect."
Stone added: "Together with CQC, HMIP and Ofsted we will assess how effectively the police are safeguarding children who experience neglect."
Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, said: "Probation services play an important role in assessing and managing risks posed by adults whose behaviour may affect children’s lives, sharing information with partners and contributing to safeguarding arrangements." He said the inspections will provide "valuable insight into how effectively local agencies are working together to recognise and respond to neglect, helping to ensure that younger children receive the protection and support they need at the earliest opportunity."
