Social workers must see children alone, argues NSPCC

The charity says that the measure is needed as too often social workers take the word of parents at face value and fail to see situations from a child's perspective.

Diana Sutton, NSPCC head of public affairs and campaigns, said: "A change in the law would emphasise to everyone involved that the child must be seen and heard when concerns are raised. This would help professionals deal with uncooperative, manipulative or hostile parents who try to hide evidence of child abuse or neglect."

However, public sector union Unison says that such a measure is unnecessary as social workers can already apply to the courts to see a child on their own.

Also this legal change could put children at greater risk, says Helga Pile, Unison's national officer for social workers.

She said: "Social workers tell me that it is very rare to be denied access and that the key to protecting a child is building up trust and confidence within the family. Being too prescriptive, by adding a legal requirement to see a child on their own, could cut across more effective alternatives, such as asking the child's teacher to talk to them privately."

"In addition, you may have parents coaching their child on what to say and threatening them if they say the ‘wrong thing'."

The proposed legal change is part of a package of child protection reforms the NSPCC is urging parliamentary candidates to sign up to ahead of the general election.

Under the slogan "I stand for children" other measures include ensuring children living in homes blighted by domestic violence are protected and funding for therapy to support child victims of abuse.