The University of Bristol-led analysis, draws on unique data from the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD), which records all child deaths in England before their 18th birthday.
In this report, researchers examined demographic data and the circumstances surrounding 16 deaths of children under the age of 11* as a result of falling from a window or balcony between 1 April 2019 and 31 May 2025.
The research found 44% (7 cases) of these incidents involved children aged under five and from the most disadvantaged areas in England. In addition, 56% (12 cases) involved children living in social housing or privately rented accommodation.
Alarmingly, 92% (12) of falls occurred from windows or balconies in flats where safety measures such as locks or restrictors were either absent, not functioning, or not in use. In several cases, families had reported broken windows to landlords or local authorities, sometimes repeatedly, but repairs had not been made quickly enough.
In some cases, housing issues were reported, for example, overcrowded accommodation. This meant that the physical living space was small for the family leading to limited space to position furniture in places that were safe for young children.
Professor Karen Luyt, Programme Director for the National Child Mortality Database, Professor of Neonatal Medicine at the University of Bristol and Healthier Childhoods lead at NIHR ARC West, said: “The aim of this research is to understand the circumstances surrounding these falls so that we can learn from these tragic events and ultimately prevent them.
“Our report includes several recommendations for local authorities, private landlords, and professionals working with families with young children. One of the simplest yet most crucial actions is to ensure that appropriate locks are installed on windows and balcony doors—and to prioritise fixing them when issues are reported by families.”
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), one of the leading charities working in the field of home safety, highlight that one of the most common reasons young children fall is that their rapid development takes parents and carers by surprise, for example, a toddler might astonish their parents when they climb on something that they had previously been unable to reach.
Katrina Phillips, Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust said: “It’s heart-breaking that so many young children are put at risk and their parents feel powerless to protect them.
“With temperatures rising year on year, it’s crucial that families with small children in social or private rented housing are a priority for protection.
“No child should die or suffer life-changing injuries from something as simple as fixing a window lock or restrictor.”
The research team would like to recognise all Child Death Overview Panels (CDOPs) who submitted data for the purposes of this report and all child death review professionals for submitting data and providing additional information when requested. In particular, the research team extend special thanks to the parents and public contributors who remain at the heart of the NCMD programme.
NCMD report
‘Deaths of children aged under 11 years as a result of a fall from a window or balcony’ by