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.

Children are offered development checks with their Health Visiting team between 8 and 12 months and between 20 months and 24 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.

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.

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 participate. 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.