Developmental assessments
What happens at developmental assessments?
All developmental assessments are an opportunity for you to share your observations of your child and for the health professional to offer a holistic review of your child’s physical, social and emotional development.
The purpose of the review is to ensure your child is meeting all of his / her developmental milestones and that you are aware of and accessing immunisations to keep your child safe and healthy.
The contact is also an opportunity for you to explore your experience of motherhood, your emotional and mental health, your baby’s health and welfare and your family environment.
The health visitor will provide you with information in relation to local services and agree a plan of support moving forward. This may include additional contact or access to wider Health Visiting services within Hackney and the city including well baby clinics.
New birth visit
The health visitor will offer to visit you at home between 10 and 14 days after your baby is born.
They will offer to weigh your baby and observe their general health and development.
6-8 week review
The health visitor may offer to weigh your baby during this contact to ensure your baby is growing well and feeding is well established.
8-10 month review
During the contact this may include :-
- Reviewing your baby’s weight and length to ensure he or she is growing well
- Reviewing how feeding is going and the introduction of family foods & use of a beaker
- Discussing dental health
- Reviewing if your baby has had his / her early immunisations
- Reviewing if your baby is using his / her hands / Fingers to grip ( Fine motor skills )
- Reviewing if he or she is beginning to move, roll, sit or crawl ( Gross motor skills )
- Asking about hearing and vision ( squint )
- Reviewing if your baby is communicating -Smiling, babbling looking towards you
- Discussing sleep, routines, crying & home safety
27 month review
During the contact this may include :-
- Reviewing your child’s weight and height to ensure he or she is growing well
- Reviewing your child’s diet including discussion around fussy eating and use of Vitamins to support his growth & development
- Discussing dental health
- Reviewing if your child has had his / her immunisations
- Reviewing if your child is using his / her hands –e.g. Building a tower of small bricks, helping to dress / undress ( Fine motor skills )
- Reviewing if he or she is able to walk, jump confidently ( Gross motor skills )
- Asking about hearing and vision ( Does your child see things around him in the distance or near to, can he/ she hear you and does he respond when called )
- Reviewing if your child is communicating clearly -Talking (Linking words into 2-3 word sentences) Understanding (Can he / she follow simple instructions –Can you get your shoes?)
- Discussing sleep routines, potty training , Behaviour , play & learning opportunities
If any concerns are identified during the review there will be an agreement with you in relation to what necessary support or follow up actions may be necessary to support your child. This will help to ensure your child can receive the support he/she may require to remain happy, healthy and ready to learn.