What to expect at your child's development review

Transcript

Nadyia: The two-year review is a development review delivered by the 0-19 services within Leeds. The two-year review is a really important part of the Healthy Child programme because it allows us to identify if there is any support needs that might be required for the family or the child before they enter the school setting.

Charlotte: As a parent it is a chance for you to have a good chat with us to celebrate how well your child is doing but also if you’ve got any worries or questions that you need to have our further support from ourselves with.

Joe: So for me it’s a really nice opportunity to be able to ask questions of things we’re not sure of and being able to ask someone that works with children on a daily basis for that reassurance or guidance.

Charlotte: The development review will be offered either within a home setting or a clinic environment. You will receive an appointment letter along with two ages and stages questionnaires. Complete both those questionnaires and try some of the little activities that are on that sheet.

Nadyia: It’s a good opportunity to just review the child where they are at that point in time with regards to their development, their health, which would include things like their communication skills. Their gross motor, fine motor, personal social and problem solving skills.

Well if there is anything that you’re worried about in terms of development we can put some plans into place and some activities we can talk to you about.

Ogechi: I did get a lot of reassurance and things I’m concerned about especially around eating. I feel like at that age children are quite picky eaters and I think as a mother anyway you do worry. So she gave us advice around that and I did find it really reassuring yes.

Charlotte: During the review we will also look at your child’s growth. We will take their height and their weight measurement. We will also talk about your child’s healthy eating, sleep routine, behaviour, toilet training, accident prevention, oral health and immunisations.

Joe: The experience was really good. I wasn’t sure what to expect when the review was going to happen. I didn’t know what activities they would expect Theo to do. It was a really nice chance to be able to reflect watching him play with somebody else and do those activities. You can really see that progress he’s made and then getting some tips of what we can do to help make more.

Ogechi: Sometimes when you come to those kind of reviews you are nervous anyway because you want to make sure that your child’s meeting their milestones and you do worry about them being maybe compared to others. I didn’t feel like that at all. I felt like I could be open and honest with them and they always reassured me. I would recommend anyone to do it because if they are not where they need to be then at least you get time posted to the right place and the support is there for when you do need it. I feel that does help the child’s development flourish.

Where possible, we encourage both parents to attend your child’s development reviews.

• Your child’s development reviews will be carried out by a 0 to 19 family health worker or a specialist public health nurse.
• We will contact you by text and by letter with an appointment which may be either a home visit or an invite to attend a local clinic setting or Children’s Centre.
• We will also ask you to complete an ages and stages questionnaire (ASQ) about your child’s development before we see you at your appointment.

It is important that you have completed this ASQ before your appointment.

• If you have any difficulty completing this, please call us on 0113 843 5683.
• We can arrange a longer appointment so a member of our team can help you on the day.

Or, if your child attends a nursery or childminder setting, then they may be able to help you complete the ASQ.

How your child listens, understands, and uses sounds, gestures, or words

Examples:

• Responding to their name
• Pointing
• Making sounds
• Using single words or short sentences (depending on age).

Big movements using larger muscles

Examples:

• sitting
• crawling
• standing
• walking
• running
• climbing
• kicking or throwing a ball.

Small movements using hands and fingers

Examples:

• Picking up small objects
• Holding a spoon
• Stacking blocks
• Scribbling with a crayon, turning book pages.

How your child learns, explores, and works things out

Examples:

• Fitting shapes into a sorter
• Figuring out how to get a toy
• Copying actions, following simple instructions.

How your child relates to others and manages their own feelings

Examples:

• Smiling at familiar people
• Showing interest in other children
• Playing alongside or with others
• Showing independence (feeding themselves, trying to dress)
• Beginning to share or take turns.

Measurements

During the review you will be offered for your child to be weighed and their height measured to make sure they are growing healthy.

At the 9 to 12 month development review your child can also have their head circumference measured.

Please remember to bring your child’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record (PCHR)) so we can record this.