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Families urged to attend their child’s 2-year health and development review
Parents and carers across Worcestershire are being reminded of the importance of attending their child’s 2 to 2½ year health and development review - an essential milestone to ensure children are growing, learning, and thriving.
According to data released by NHS England, one in four children miss this vital check nationally, meaning potential concerns can go unnoticed. Delivered by the 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the review is part of the national Healthy Child programme and plays a crucial role in giving every child the best possible start in life.
Locally, health visitor teams carry out the review, looking at key areas such as growth and physical development, speech and language, social skills and behaviour, hearing and vision, sleep routines, and childhood immunisations. It is also an opportunity to celebrate your child’s progress, ask questions, and receive tailored advice for your family.
“The 2 to 2½ year review is an important milestone in your child’s early years. It’s a chance to check their development, and for many families, the final routine contact they will have with the Health Visiting Team before starting school.” explains Louise Langston, Clinical Services Manager for Worcestershire 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service.
“Sadly, attendance at these reviews locally is lower than we would like. We’re urging families to prioritise these checks, so any worries or concerns can be addressed early.”
Claire Mitchell, Head of Service for Pregnancy, Early Years and Families for Public Health in Worcestershire said, “Attending your child’s 2–2.5 year review is important as it provides a vital opportunity to identify any emerging health and wellbeing needs early, ensuring timely support and advice can be offered to improve your child’s outcomes.
"Even if you don’t have any concerns, it’s still an important opportunity to check your child’s progress, celebrate their development, and get answers to any questions you may have".
Reviews usually take place in Family Hubs, child development centres, or community health centres. Families will receive a letter inviting them to an appointment when their child reaches 27 months.
For more information about the 2 to 2½-year review and how your local health visiting team can support you, visit the Worcestershire Health Visiting Service website or contact our Telephone Advisory Service.
Parents of children up to the age of five can also access support through the Telephone Advisory Service (TAS), available Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm by calling 01905 520 032.
The service is managed by members of the Health Visiting Team who can assist with a variety of questions about a child’s health and development.