Children could be at risk as new figures reveal that less than a quarter of Norfolk's babies are receiving their 12-month health check-ups. 

Statistics published by the NHS have revealed that the county is considerably behind national averages in carrying out vital welfare visits across all stages of a child's development.

New families are expected to be visited at four milestones in the first three years of an infant's life - at two weeks, between six and eight, at 12 months and between two and two-and-a-half.

And for all of these stages, Norfolk is lagging behind national expectations - sparking concerns that families are missing out on receiving vital support.

The figures show that only half of newborn babies are receiving two-week visits - the fourth lowest rate in the country.

And less than a quarter (23.1pc) of babies have been receiving 12-month checks by the time they are one and just one in five (20pc) two-and-a-half year visits are done.

Eastern Daily Press: Labour county councillor Emma Corlett. Picture: BRITTANY WOODMAN

Emma Corlett, Labour's deputy leader in Norfolk, said the blow for families is two-fold, as it follows the closure of the region's children's centres.

She said: "It is a national issue, but it is another example of how families in Norfolk get a raw end of the deal.

"It is a real worry that some children may be making it to school age without a health professional having ever set eyes on them."

Ms Corlett added she was concerned that there was an over-reliance on remote appointments, which was isolating some families.

She said: "A hugely important thing for health visitors is building rapport with families, which is much more difficult through a computer screen.

"And being a rural county with areas of deprivation some families will also not have the same level of access, which creates inequalities."

The figures have sparked the NSPCC to call for greater investment in the service nationally.

Jack O'Neill, of the NSPCC, said: "It is vital that families receive that crucial first health visit as soon as possible after a child is born to ensure parents and the new baby are living in a safe and healthy environment.

"All families across the country should expect a consistency of care and not be subjected to a postcode lottery."

Norfolk's services are commissioned by the county council, but provided by Cambridge Community Services through Just One Norfolk.

But while Norfolk is lagging behind the national average, bosses say improvements are being made - and that figures for families with heightened needs are much more favourable.

A spokesman at County Hall said the service prioritises families that have either had complicated births or where there are safeguarding fears.

Eastern Daily Press: Bill Borrett

Bill Borrett, NCC's cabinet member for public health, said: "Every child deserves the best start in life.

"Officers are working with CCS to improve delivery against national targets, the council is holding its provider partner to account on this basis, while recognising that Norfolk has some unique challenges in relation to the delivery of its health visiting services, including being disproportionately affected by the national shortage of health visitors due to its rural nature and limited national transport connections.

"We have seen them making improvements during the current financial year and next month the service will return to offering all families their child's 12-month check in person.

"Across the other mandated checks the proportion delivered on time is increasing month by month."

What do the figures show?

The percentage of health visitors completed in 2021/22 were as follows:

Two weeks: 50pc (82.6pc national average)

Six-eight weeks: 59.4pc (81.5pc)

12-month by 12 months: 23.1pc (71.9pc)

12-month by 15 months: 62.5pc (81.9pc)

Two-two-and-a-half: 20pc (74pc)