Concerns about your child's development
It is normal for babies and children to learn skills at different rates to children of a similar age, e.g. sitting up, gaining speech and being toilet trained. However, as a parent it can be a worry if your child is slower to achieve these milestones.
Your health visitor is a good person to start with if you are worried about your child's development. Children are offered development checks with their Health Visiting team between 9 and 12 months and between 24 months and 30 months to see if they are progressing as expected for their age. This is a good opportunity for parents to share any concerns that they might have with their child’s growth or development.
Even if you do not have a health visitor, if your child is aged 0-5 you can text the team at 07520 615720 to get advice.
If the Health Visiting Team has any concerns, your child will be monitored or referred to a specialist service for further assessment or support. If you are worried, professional advice is available through your local child health clinic, GP or Health Visitor.
When your child starts school they will be offered a new entrant health review. This is an opportunity for your child to have their height and weight, and distance vision assessed. If there are any concerns as a result of this assessment, your child will be monitored or referred to a specialist service for further assessment or support.
More information on addressing concerns with your child's early development
If you are worried about your child’s development during their school years, your local School Nurse will be able to help you. They can be contacted through your school, GP or Health Visiting team.
Pre-schools and schools assess the level that your child is working at so that they can see whether they need any help to learn. If you have any worries about your child's progress, it is important to discuss them with your child’s key worker or class teacher. You can also ask to speak to a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator [SENCo] who specialises in children’s learning and development needs.