Child Development Team

Children learn, grow and develop skills and knowledge at different rates.

When there is a concern about a child's development he or she may be referred to a number of different specialists. The Child Development Team is here to make this process as stress-free as possible for parents.

What age is this service aimed at?

Children can be any age, but usually they are under 5.

The first step is an informal meeting in Halliwell Children's Centre, to which parents are always invited. As your child is not assessed during this and you don't have to bring them along if you prefer not to.

What happens at the meeting?

The meeting lasts about 45 minutes. The work that is being done with your child will be fully explained before discussing the plan of action. Notes are taken and you will be sent a copy afterwards.

Who's likely to attend?

Although they won't all be at the meeting, you might be introduced to a Paediatrician, Physiotherapist, >Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Educational Psychologist, Link Worker, Health Visitor, Speech Therapist, members of the Pre-School Support Team and Orthoptist.

Your health visitor and family doctor may also attend and sometimes you might decide to invite someone from the nursery or school you plan to send your child to.

Key worker

When it is agreed that your child should be involved with the Child Development Team, a key worker will be assigned to work with you. This is someone you know - often your Health Visitor to start with - and they'll be your link into the Team, to tell you all you need to know and make sure that the right people are invited to your meeting.

Child Development Team Video

You are welcome to borrow a video about the Child Development Team. Ask your Health Visitor or Key Worker or telephone 01204 362333.

Pre-School Support Team

These qualified, trained professionals have specialist knowledge and skills relating to children who have difficulties with learning, and believe that early involvement is crucial to progress. They provide a home visiting service to pre-school children and their families.

Their work involves:

• Carrying out a comprehensive assessment.
• Teaching new development skills.
• Supporting integration into mainstream provision where appropriate.

Their expertise covers behaviour management, epilepsy monitoring and medication management, toileting training, assessment and management of disturbed sleep patters and much more besides.

If you feel that the Pre-School Support Team can help your child please contact Halliwell Health & Child Development Centre, Aylesford Walk, Halliwell Bolton, BL1 2UT. Tel : (01204) 526940 or 526930

Children with a hearing impairment

Children with a permanent hearing impairment without other significant additional problems have a separate Child Development Team meeting. Only the professionals involved in the care of the child are involved here. Your child's nursery teacher may also be invited.

These Child Development Team meetings are held every 6 months until the child enters school.

Educational Psychologist

An Educational Psychologist who specialises in working with under fives is a regular member of the Child Development Team to help you as a parent understand how your child's development (physical, social and intellectual) can affect his learning and behaviour at home, nursery or school.

To help the Psychologist understand a particular child's individual strengths and weaknesses, he may use a range of assessment methods. Where possible, Bolton Education Authority strives to educate children in their local school.

The Educational Psychologist advises parents on the transition between pre-school education and formal schooling, and can advise parents about the range of educational provision for children with special needs in Bolton.

Social Worker

Often families find that they need some extra help when their child's development is delayed or their child has a disability.

The role of the Social Worker is to work closely alongside fellow professionals to try to offer support.

The Social Worker decides what support the child and family need and makes the appropriate arrangements. This might, for example, include providing occasional short breaks or practical support in the home. Social Workers can also provide advice, information and ongoing support to families with a disabled child.

A quarterly newsletter keeps parents informed about services and events in and around Bolton.

Paediatrician

A Paediatrician is a doctor specialising in child development and children's illnesses.

The Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist works with children through focused activity and play.

Link Worker (Interpreter)

If English is not your preferred language, you can request an interpreter.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists help children who have physical disabilities or learning difficulties to achieve the greatest amount of mobility, balance and co-ordination possible.

The Speech & Language Therapist

The Speech & Language Therapist has particular knowledge of how young children learn to communicate. When working with you and your child he or she may focus on developing skills which provide a foundation for speech development, like learning to interact with others.

Orthoptists

Orthoptists have specialist knowledge and training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of eye muscle imbalances, squints (turns) and lazy eyes. They work closely with Ophthalmologists (eye specialist doctors) and Optometrists (opticians).

Orthoptists work in hospitals (in the eye clinic) and in local health centres, nursery schools and special schools and may be present at your child's Team meeting to represent the Eye Department if there are particular visual difficulties.

Children with a severe visual disability only are usually involved with the Vision Support Team rather than the Child Development Team. Their meetings involve people who specialise in working with this group of children.

Children's Community Nursing Team

This team is based at the Royal Bolton Hospital and visits children at home when they have a health need, such as providing nursing care to help families look after their child at home.

Statutory assessment and statementing

When you start to think about your child's education, it may be helpful to have his educational needs assessed and recorded in the form of a 'Statement'.

The Statement, which usually takes 6 months to complete, involves the Education Authority in gathering information from all the various professionals who know your child.

Your child's strengths and educational needs are recorded in the Statement, together with the provision required to meet those needs. The recommended school for your child is named following consultations with you and any other necessary non-educational support is included.

The Statement is a legal protection for you and your child and is reviewed annually.