Being a parent

When your child reaches two years old, it's an ideal time to see how well they're doing and assess their future needs. So, to get a complete picture of their progress, we do an 'integrated review' This involves developmental checks and regular meetings between those involved with your child's development, such as their health visitor, childcare provider and children's centre (if applicable).

By sharing this information, it is much easier to identify any issues and to make sure your child gets access to the right services. All this is only ever done with your consent as a parent or carer. You can find out more about the integrated review from the video below, or you can download and read our booklet A strong start - The two year old integrated review. You can also get in touch with your health visitor, early years childcare provider, children's centre, or email earlyyears@herefordshire.gov.uk with your questions. 

If you would like reassurance about how your child is developing, you can ask their health visitor for an 'ages and stages' appointment to identify any concerns that might need addressing. The details of this check will be added to your child's health record, or 'red book', and shared with your child's early years childcare provider, but only if you agree.

If your child is two or three and goes to an early years childcare provider, like a nursery or childminder, they have to have what is called an Early Years Foundation Stage progress check. If you agree, the details of this will be shared with your child's health visitor.