Mark Whitehead 06 June 2023

Review identifies ‘missed opportunities’ in Baby Acer’s death

Review identifies ‘missed opportunities’ in Baby Acer’s death image
Image: YP_Studio / Shutterstock.com.

The death of a five-month-old boy in his bouncer was part of a systemic failure of social services at Surrey County Council, a safeguarding review has concluded.

It found there were missed opportunities to help the family of a 'loved and happy' child.

Baby Acer, who was born during a COVID lockdown, died from 'sudden unexpected death in infancy' in 2021.

The review said there could have been a pre-birth risk assessment and an 'unwise' decision was made to close the case in March 2020.

The council said changes would be made and lessons learned.

Lead reviewer Moira Murray said: 'That Acer was a loved and happy child was evident from the way mother and father spoke about him and from the many photographs on display.'

But her report said Acer was a twin baby born prematurely during lockdown and not able to receive the same monitoring.

It said Acer returned to a cramped, overcrowded home where both parents smoked.

The mother took prescribed medication and co-slept with her babies, and because the father had been arrested, she had to care alone for five children.

Recommendations for Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership included more support for practitioners tackling unsafe sleeping arrangements.

Surrey County Councillor Sinead Mooney, cabinet member for children and families, said steps had been taken to improve practices.

She added: 'The report also recognises the significant impact the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had on this case.'

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner