All children develop at different rates. Around the age of 2 or 3 years, toddlers often begin to show a growing desire to start to become independent.
This is one of the most important times for social and emotional development. It can be both exciting and challenging for all the family.
Health Visitors work with parents and carers. They offer support from the ante-natal period until the child starts school at five years.
The service includes a team of:
- Health Visitors
- School Nurses
- Staff Nurses
- Nursery Nurses and
- Parent Support workers.
They work with families to help support children’s health and development. This is to make sure they have the best possible start in life.
You as parents/carers know your child better than anyone. They will work in partnership with you from the antenatal period through to the Early Years. They will work with you to promote your child's health, development and well-being.
Parents and carers will continue to have unlimited access to the service. You can access continued advice and support via:
- the Hub,
- the ‘Chat Health’ text service and
- local Child Health Clinics.
In addition, you will receive an appointment for your child’s 2 - 2½ year growth and development review.
This appointment will be to:
- review your child’s growth and physical, social and emotional development,
- offer support and advice and answer any questions you may have.
The assessment is completed in partnership with you as a parent/carer. It will be with either a Health Visitor, Specialist Public Health Practitioner or a qualified Nursery Nurse.
This is an opportunity to ask any questions or share any concerns that you may have.
Support is available from the service until the young person reaches 19 years of age. The team can offer advice and guidance on many topics. This might include:
- parent’s mental health
- feeding
- sleep
- behaviour
- potty training
- child development or
- emotional well-being.
What Can I Do?
- Make sure you attend your health checks
- Discuss any concerns with your Health Visitors
Staffordshire residents
In Staffordshire the team is called the Families, Health and Wellbeing 0-19 service.
The team are available, either via the telephone HUB, one to one appointments, Chat Health or at child health clinic. Further information can be found on the website
Contact Details
- West Hub - 0300 303 3923 (covering Moorlands, Newcastle, Stafford, Stone, Seisdon)
- East Hub - 0300 303 3924 (covering East Staffs, Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Tamworth)
- Chat Health - Text 07520 615722 (answered in office hours only)
Stoke on Trent residents
The team are available, either via the telephone HUB, one to one appointments or at child health clinic. More information can be gained on the Health Visiting Team covering Stoke on Trent
Contact Details
- Stoke-on-Trent Health Visiting and School Nursing HUB – 0300 404 2993