The Healthy Child Programme Supports children and families in Barking and Dagenham. Every child deserves the best start in life. The Healthy Child Programme is a free NHS services for families from pregnancy up to age 19 years. Your child’s health matters. Let’s give them the best start in life.

Who delivers the programme?

The programme is delivered by health visitors, community public health nurses, senior public health assistants and public  health assistants. Health visitors and community public health nurses are registered nurses or midwives that have undergone additional training in the care and development of pre-school children. We work with midwives, GPs, pediatricians, local children's centers and voluntary organisations to provide the best possible care to you and your family.

What do we deliver?

The programme provides core health and developmental support to all families with children aged 0 to 5 years, ensuring inclusivity.

• Antenatal assessment/support (28 to 32 weeks)
• New birth assessment (10 to 14 days)
• 6 to 8 weeks postnatal follow up 
• Heath and development check 
• Health review 1 (10 to 12 month)
• Health review 2 (2 to 2 half years)
• Support for school readiness
• Ranges of health promotion programs and early intervention support

When do you see us?

A member of the Health Visiting Team will see you at least four times (Universal mandatory contact):

• Once during pregnancy (antenatal)
• When your baby is between 10 to 14 days old.  Further appointment at 6 to 8 weeks postnatal follow up.
• We also offer two further health and  developmental reviews, one between nine and 12 months and the next at 2 to 2-and-a-half years.
• Will offer professional support, advice and strategies for school readiness.

Benefits for Parents and Families

• Early identification and support
• The programme identifies developmental delays and health concerns early, enabling timely intervention and safeguarding.
• Guidance on child-rearing
• Families receive advice on nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and parenting strategies to promote healthy child development.
• Support for maternal and emotional wellbeing
• The programme offers support for maternal mental health, breastfeeding, and parent-child bonding, enhancing emotional wellbeing.
• Access to services and empowerment
• Parents access community resources and specialist support, actively participating in service design for empowerment.
• Links to local services – children’s centres, playgroups, and more.

The Barking and Dagenham Local Offer website helps children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities and their families find the information and support they are looking for, from across the Barking and Dagenham local area.

Home - Barking and Dagenham SEND Local Offer (lbbd.gov.uk)