Publications
Our publications section carries all NCMD reports, briefings and data releases. Here you’ll find in-depth analysis of overall child mortality in England, deep dives into specific causes of death with recommendations for improvement in the future, and complete data releases that give you a chance to explore the unique data we hold for yourself.
Child Mortality During Winter Periods
This analysis focuses on the number of child deaths that occurred during winter periods between 2019-20 and 2023-24 in comparison to non-winter periods. Summary: Overall, in the 5 year period between August 2019 and July 2024: There were 369 more deaths that occurred...
When a Child Dies – A Guide for Parents and Carers
This guide has been put together by a group of bereaved parents, support organisations and professionals; it is for parents and carers of a child under 18 to help you understand some of the things that will now happen and the support that is available. You can...
Deaths of children under 11 years as a result of a fall from a window or balcony
A briefing on critical central venous line complications in neonates – read in full…
Children with Life-Limiting Conditions and Palliative and End-of-Life Care Needs
Painting by Emily Tammam, bereaved parent of Neve.This NCMD thematic report aims to analyse deaths of infants, children, and young people with life-limiting conditions and palliative and end of life care needs. It presents national findings on children with...
Child drowning deaths – 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2024
This summary report aims to describe the number and characteristics of child drowning deaths notified to Child Death Overview Panels in England, based on the latest available data from the NCMD.
The NCMD’s impact in 2024
This report explores the impact of the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) programme in 2024. 2024 was an exceptional year for the NCMD. We've published a range of publications, including two thematic reports (on deaths of children with a learning disability and...
Critical central venous line complications in neonates
A briefing on critical central venous line complications in neonates – read in full…
Deaths in children in England from SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first 2 years of the pandemic: a cohort study
COVID-19 pandemic caused over 14 million deaths worldwide and while children and young people (CYP) may have a significantly lower risk of death from the virus compared to adults, the pandemic led to widespread and profound changes in daily life. To protect those...
Fatal Food Anaphylaxis in Children: A Statutory Review in England
Fatal anaphylaxis is a very rare, unpredictable tragedy. For children and young people, most fatal anaphylaxis is caused by food allergy, and thus, carers of children and young people with food allergy may become preoccupied about the possibility of sudden, unexpected...
Child mortality in England after national lockdowns for COVID-19: An analysis of childhood deaths, 2019–2023
During the COVID-19 pandemic children and young people (CYP) mortality in England reduced to the lowest on record, but it is unclear if the mechanisms which facilitated a reduction in mortality had a longer lasting impact, and what impact the pandemic, and its social...