Your child's health needs will usually be met by everyday services; including GPs, dentists, opticians and the health visiting service.
When extra support is needed for more complex needs, your child may get specialist support. Your child's GP, dentist, health visitor or early education provider can refer them for this.
ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ Child and Family Health
This is the ÄûÃʵ¼°¹-wide NHS community health service for children and young people from birth to 19 years old and their parents/carers. It offers advice and information on medical issues as well as running children's immunisation services. Families can call to speak to a member of the team on 0300 247 0025 for all aspects of child health, development and parenting.
has advice, tips and information on a range of topics including, sleep, behaviour, eating and using the toilet independently.
Physiotherapy
The physiotherapy service provides assessment, therapy and advice for children and young people with physical difficulties from birth to 19 years old. The team work closely with your child, family, other professionals and nurseries/schools to maximise your child's physical potential and independence.
Visit the for advice sheets, apps, videos and links.
Occupational therapy
The Occupational Therapy service provide assessment, therapy and advice for children to be able to participate in daily life. Daily life is made up of many activities (or occupations). Occupations for children or young people may include self-care (getting ready to go out, eating a meal, using the toilet), being productive (going to nursery or school, or volunteering), and leisure (playing with friends or doing hobbies). The service is delivered in a range of settings which includes early year's settings, family centres, the home environment and on a clinic or hospital site.
Visit the for advice sheets, apps, videos and links or phone 0300 247 0025.
Speech and language therapy
The Speech and Language Therapy service provides assessment, therapy and advice for children who have not yet started school and have speech, language and communication needs. The service sees children in community clinics, homes and early years settings including family centres. The team have a strong focus on working in partnership with parents and educational settings to maximise children's progress.
Visit for advice sheets, apps, videos and links.
Health visiting
The Health Visiting team supports you and your family from the birth of your baby, to when your child starts school.
Health visitors are registered nurses who have completed additional, specialist training in public health. They work alongside general practitioners (GPs), midwives, nurseries, schools, and voluntary organisations. The team also supports families where there are additional health, emotional or social needs.
If you are unsure who your health visitor is you can call 0300 247 0025 for support on all aspects of child health, development and parenting.
Visit the to find health visiting advice and information.
Community nurses
Children's community nurses provide specialist nursing care to children from birth to 18 years old in their own homes so they can avoid or shorten hospital admissions. The care is designed specifically to fit the needs of each child.
Developmental paediatricians
The Developmental Paediatric Service is led by consultants. It assesses babies, children and young people experiencing developmental difficulties related to:
- Developmental delay or disorder
- Neurological disability
- Autism for children under 6 years old
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for children under 6 years old
- Cerebral palsy
- Severe learning difficulties (SLD) and complex needs
The assessments focus on physical, sensory, social and emotional development. Then we discuss and agree with the family what we can do to help.
The service works closely with other professionals. They include therapists, nurses, early years practitioners and social workers. Working together ensures a joined-up approach for your child.
You can find out more on .
Continuing health care
Children's Continuing Health Care is care arranged and funded by the NHS outside hospital. It is for babies and children who have ongoing healthcare needs. This is usually because they have a complex medical condition that requires a lot of care and support. Or they may need highly specialised nursing support.
Further information can be found on the Continuing Health page of the ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ website.
Individual Healthcare Plans (IHP)
Children with complex medical needs will have an Individual Health Care Plan (IHP). There are also many conditions where a child may need a plan. These include asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and allergies.
The IHP details a child's medical needs and treatment. This ensures early education providers know what needs to be done, when and who is involved. It specifies the support a child needs to join in fully in early years education.
It includes what medicines the early education provider can give to the child, and what to do in a medical emergency. IHPs should be reviewed at least once a year, or if there is a change to a child's needs or medication.