“The HCP offers every family a programme of screening tests, immunisations, developmental reviews, and information and guidance to support parenting and healthy choices – all services that children and families need to receive if they are to achieve their optimum health and wellbeing” (DH 2009, p.8).

Look at The Healthy Child Programme – pregnancy and the first five years (Department of Health 2009) and identify the schedule for assessment and interventions at the following key stages:

Up to 28 weeks (usually little involvement from HV at this stage)

After 28 weeks (includes antenatal support from the health visitor).

Birth to 1 week

1-6 weeks

6 weeks to 6 months

6 months to 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

The Healthy Child Programme is based on a number of core requirements that are required to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families:

Identification of Parental/Child Risk Factors

Identification of Protective Factors (e.g family/social support networks)

Assessment and effective interventions

Safeguarding

Promotes attachment.

Promotes child health, wellbeing and safety.

Promotes a reduction in obesity.

Promotion of immunisation programme.

Promotes and support for breastfeeding (initiation/continuation).

Promotes early recognition of growth disorders.

Detection and management of developmental delay.

Promotes readiness for school.

Promotes better outcomes for children at risk of social exclusion.

Significant emphasis on importance of effective parenting and support of parents in their role.

Utilises new knowledge about child development, especially the developing baby brain (neuroscience) and the influence that attachment has on physical development of the brain in early years.

Focuses on facilitating behaviour change to enhance health and wellbeing in relation to key public health priorities e.g. healthy eating, physical activity, smoking, alcohol etc..

Integrated working with partner agencies to minimise health inequalities, reduce risk factors and promote health & wellbeing.

“Pregnancy and the first years of life are one of the most important stages in the life cycle. This is when the foundations of future health and wellbeing are laid down, and is a time when parents are particularly receptive to learning and making changes. There is good evidence that the outcomes for both children and adults are strongly influenced by the factors that operate during pregnancy and the first years of life” (DH 2009, p.8).

Great Britain Department of Health (2009) The Healthy Child Programme – pregnancy and the first five years of life. London: The Stationery Office. Accessed at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_118525.pdf