Your child’s development

Children all learn skills at different times so we need to give them time to learn, play and grow through fun activities.

Visit our Parenting tips webpage for information and advice on some of the things you can do to help give your child the best start in life. You may find some of the answers to your questions in these pages.

When your child is 15 months old, they will be assessed by a Health Visitor to check on their health and development. During this session, any concerns can be discussed, together with any support the family may need to help the child reach their full potential.

For information on children’s development, visit the Aneurin Bevan Healthier Together website.

Concerned about your child’s development?

If you are worried that your child may not be meeting their milestones and think they may need some support, talk to your health visitor or school nurse. They will assess your child and offer support where it is needed. You can also contact us in the Early Years team for support. Please complete our online form to request support.

Parenting programmes

The Parents as First Teachers (PaFT) Programme is designed for children aged 0-3 years, this programme supports both you and your child in developing essential skills. It teaches various activities that encourage your child’s growth and development. Sessions can be delivered in small groups or tailored to individual families.

A variety of parenting programmes are available in person and online. Visit our parenting programmes and courses page for full details.

Speech and language support

Developing speech and language skills are crucial for your child to reach their full potential. Your child needs to be able to communicate to be able to learn at school, socialise with family and play with friends. Visit our Support for children to learn to talk and communicate webpage to find out more.

Play Based Intervention

Learning through play is important and can help young children be ready for school, encourage their imagination and help with their development. If your child is not meeting their developmental milestones, the Join in and Play Programme can work with you and your child before they start school to provide play strategies that help to develop your child’s motor skills, language, and cognitive development.

Portage

Portage is a home intervention programme offered by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board for pre-school children with complex developmental needs. A Child Development Advisor works with parents and carers to establish a set of home activities that promote the child’s development and visit the family regularly to monitor progress. Portage is usually arranged by a Health Visitor or Paediatrician. For more information about Portage, visit the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Healthier Together website.

Funded childcare placements

• Flying Start Childcare: Children living in a Flying Start area are entitled to a funded childcare place starting from the term after their second birthday until the end of the term in which they turn three and become eligible for an Early Years Education place. Regular, part-time attendance at high-quality childcare significantly improves children’s outcomes. If you live in a Flying Start area, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.

• Assisted Places: This scheme provides funding for children outside Flying Start areas who have emerging developmental needs. If your child has received support from the Join In And Play or Portage services, they may qualify for a funded part-time childcare place before they begin Early Years Education. This allows us to observe how your child adapts to the setting, interacts with other children, and identify the best ways to support their development and growth.