The 1,001 critical days – ages 0-2 years

The Devon SCP are committed to working together with families early to ensure all children get the best start, we know that a babies early days will affect the rest of their lives. We also know that babies are most vulnerable to harm and neglect when we don’t notice what is happening in their worlds.

‘Today, the period from conception to age two is globally recognised as critical for building strong societies. We are fortunate that support for families in England is delivered by many committed midwives, health visitors, social workers and primary care practitioners, as well as thousands of committed volunteers. However, what is clear is that services are patchy, not joined up and often do not deliver what parents and carers need. This must change if we are to truly transform our society for the better.’
From The Best Start for Life A Vision for the 1,001 Critical Days The Early Years Healthy Development Review Report March 2021

The majority pregnant families, babies and toddlers will have the support they need from their own networks and communities and universal services. Some will require extra help and a few a network of services working together with parents to build safe and healthy lives. The earlier we notice and act to support the better chances of addressing difficulties and providing babies with what they need. See our Levels of Need framework for further guidance.

Please also be aware of the following information and guidance.

Relevant local policy, guidance, procedures, and protocols

• Agency Roles and Responsibilities
• Information Sharing
• A one minute guide to Early Help in Devon
• Children and Families that go Missing (Including Unborn Children)
• Concealed Pregnancies
• Pre-Birth (Safeguarding Unborn Babies)
• Bruising and Injuries to Non-Mobile Children

Supplementary procedures

• Children of Parents with Learning Disabilities
• Children of Parents with Mental Health Problems
• Children of Parents who Misuse Substances
• Children Moving Across Local Authority Boundaries
• Fabricated or Induced Illness
• Domestic Violence and Abuse
• Case Resolution Protocol
• Bruising, skin mark or injury in non-mobile babies response

Training – learning and development

• Course: Those who don’t cruise rarely bruise (bruising on babies)
• Being concerned and asking questions re: bruising to non-mobile babies is also covered in a case study/scenario within the Group 3 Multi-Agency Child Protection & Safeguarding course and is also covered in Group 2 Safeguarding Children e-learning module. See our training page for more details.
• Non-accidental head injuries in infants: increased risk during COVID | NSPCC Learning

Resources on Devon SCP Website

• There is safeguarding practice guidance for professionals about the signs of physical abuse and what action to take to protect children, as well as guidance on bruising and injuries to non-mobile children and links to the Devon SCP Procedures Manual Bruising and Injuries to Non-Mobile Children.
• The ICON Programme aims to help prevent abusive head trauma by offering support to parents to help them cope with a crying baby. Further information about comforting crying babies and safer infant sleeping is also available.
• Information about ICON for professionals is available on the ICON website
• Information is also available through this PowerPoint presentation about the ICON approach.

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