From birth to two

If you or your baby have had a difficult experience at birth, or you have been told that your baby has developmental difficulties in the hospital, your midwife and GP may put you in touch with a specialist health visitor who will help you and your baby find the services you might need when you go home and as your baby grows. 

Parents’ early observations of their child are crucial to early identification.

Children with more complex developmental and sensory needs may be identified at birth. Health assessments, e.g. hearing screening, enable very early identification of a range of medical and physical difficulties. Health services, including paediatricians, the family GP, and health visitors, work with the family, support them to understand their child’s needs and help them to access early support.

Where a health body believes that a child has, or probably has, SEND they must inform the child’s parents and bring the child to the attention of the appropriate LA. The health body must also give the parents the opportunity to discuss their opinion and let them know about any organisations that are likely to be able to provide advice or assistance. This includes any educational advice, guidance, and any intervention to be put in place at an early point and before the child starts school.

This support can take a number of forms, including specialist support from the specialist health visitor, Portage Visitor, Educational Psychologist, or specialist teachers, such as a teacher of the deaf or vision impaired, who may visit families at home to support with early learning programmes and approaches.

If your baby has complex special needs, you may be put in touch with the Haringey Portage Service.

Sometimes babies can have difficulties in more than one area and so need help from a number of people.