Who to speak to about health
If your child is under 5 years
Speak to the Healthy Family team through the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service. You may speak to a health visitor or healthy family support worker. They play an important role in making sure all children have the best start in life. They are available to all families with babies and children up to the age of 5.
The Healthy Family team offer regular health and development reviews from when your child is born until they are 2 years old. They are an opportunity to raise anything you have noticed. You can find information about when to expect reviews from your health visitor on the NHS website.
There are many things you can look out for, including speech and language, social development and physical development. Read about what to expect at different ages on the BBC's Tiny Happy People website.
Find activities to help your child's development on Essex's Talk Listen Cuddle (TLC) website.
Section 23 notifications
If a health professional thinks a child has, or might have additional needs, they will inform your Local Authority. This is called a 'Section 23' notification. This tells the Local Authority that your child may need some additional support when they start school. Section 23 notifications can be completed by a:
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Paediatrician
- Health Visitor
The health professional should get your consent before they inform the Local Authority.
This is also an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on your child’s needs.
The health professional should also let you know about voluntary organisations. These organisations can provide further advice about your child’s special educational needs.
If your child is over 5 years
Speak to their GP. You can search to find a GP on the NHS website.
Things to note down
Whatever age your child is, make notes on anything you have noticed before the appointment, including dates. This could include the way your child:
- plays
- learns
- speaks
- acts
- moves
This will help your health professionals understand what’s going on.
Wellbeing support
There are a range of services available through the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service