Routine visits and development reviews

Health visitors undertake an ante natal contact on all pregnant women and their families. This is a universal contact offered to all families and is undertaken at a home visit.

The aims of this visit are to prepare parents for the birth of their baby and offer support if required.

During this contact the health visitor will undertake an assessment of the overall health of the family. This includes advice on breast feeding, healthy eating, smoking, Immunisations, concerns regarding any pre-existing health conditions and inherited blood disorders, mental health, their feelings about pregnancy, safe sleeping and home safety.  We can make referrals to partner agencies and the voluntary sector to assist them with any financial concerns, housing problems, relationship breakdowns and signpost them to other services in the community. We also offer an ante natal group to promote the development of your baby’s brain and your relationship with your unborn baby.

Following the birth of your baby you will have a new birth home visit undertaken by a health visitor. This is performed between 10-14 days following delivery and is offered to all new parents.

The core purpose of this contact is to undertake an assessment on the health and well- being of your family and baby. We will provide you with up to date evidence based advice and knowledge to encourage healthy lifestyles and optimal health.

We can support you with feeding methods as well as promoting sensitive /attuned parenting, healthy life styles and monitor the health and progress of your baby and any siblings in the home. Having a new addition to your family cannot only bring much happiness but also means many life changing adjustments. We are there to help and support

This contact is offered to all families and the purpose is not only to assess the progress of your baby but to undertake a therapeutic conversation and screening on how parents/partners are feeling.

Every family /child is entitled to a good start in life and physical, intellectual and emotional resilience is established in early childhood. Some parents struggle with the adjustments they have to make. This could result in parents having low mood and feelings that they may not be able to rationalise.  Bonding with your baby may be difficult .Health visitors have the skills to support you through this difficult time.

As your child grows and develops it is important for you to know how they are progressing and to have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about their development.

The 10-12 month review, with a member of your health visiting team, is a vital part of the Healthy Child Programme and available to all children and is your chance to meet with someone from the health visiting team to talk about your child and how they are progressing – make sure you don’t miss yours.

Your child is just starting to develop new skills, crawling and taking their first steps. The review means that if there are any concerns about their development, an early referral can be made.
The review will offer support for you as parents or carers to learn more about new skills in coping with the changes to your child’s behaviour at this age, for example, sleep routines, fussy eating, oral health etc.

What to expect
A member of the health visiting team will either come to your home, or you will be invited to attend your local childrens centre. There will be an opportunity for you to discuss the ages and stages questionnaire (sent to you with the appointment letter) and any concerns which you may have. We will also weigh and measure your child.

We can also offer:
•    general health advice,
•    referrals on to other services if appropriate
•    the opportunity to weigh and measure your child
•    stop smoking advice

As your child grows and develops it is important for you to know how they are progressing and to have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about their development.

The 2-2½ year review, with a member of your health visiting team, is a vital part of the Healthy Child Programme and available to all children and is your chance to meet with someone from the health visiting team to talk about your child and how they are progressing – make sure you don’t miss yours.

Why is the 2-2½ year review important?

This review is free which your child is entitled to have to let you know how your child is progressing.

Your child is just starting to develop speech and language skills. The review means that if there are any concerns about their development, an early referral can be made.

The review will offer support for you as parents or carers to learn more about new skills in coping with the changes to your child’s behaviour at this age, for example, toddler tantrums.

What to expect

You and your child will be invited to attend a centre near your home. When you arrive you will be welcomed by members of the centre team and health visiting team.
There will be an opportunity for you to meet with a member of the health visiting team to discuss the ages and stages questionnaire (sent to you with the 2-2½ year review invitation letter) and any concerns which you may have regarding your child.

There will be toys available for your child to play with in a relaxed atmosphere with other children.
Please bring your child’s red book with you to this appointment and a copy of your child’s progress check report from the nursery or preschool your child attends if you have it. The progress check is not the same as the developmental review.

At the review we can also offer you;
•    general health advice,
•    referrals on to other services if appropriate
•    a chance to discuss the next steps to being ready for school, including eye tests, dental care etc
•    the opportunity to weigh and measure your child.
•    stop smoking advice

As your child continues to grow and develop we offer another opportunity to see how they are progressing and to have the opportunity to ask any new questions you may have about their development.

Why is the School Readiness Review important?

As your child is getting ready to start school it is important to know that they are as ready as possible to get off to a good start in order to learn and thrive.

What to expect

Medway Community Healthcare in partnership with Medway Council offer a further opportunity to raise concerns in the year before you child starts school. When you complete the application for a school place for your child there will be a link to a ‘School readiness questionnaire’. This is designed to review your child’s readiness for school and to pick up on any worries or concerns that may affect them when they start school. These may then be addressed with a follow-up contact for advice and support. When you complete the application for a school place for your child there will be a link to a ‘School readiness questionnaire’. This is designed to review your child’s readiness for school and to pick up on any worries or concerns that may affect them when they start school. These may then be addressed with a follow-up contact for advice and support.

Useful Links
Self dressing tips
Eye contact
Playing with others
Emotions
Attention span
Getting ready for primary school | Parentkind