In Croydon, there are a range of healthcare services to support children aged 0 to 5 and their families - especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These services aim to help your child stay healthy, reach key development milestones, and get the care they need as early as possible.

Whether you are looking for support with your child’s development, managing a health condition, or need advice about concerns you may have, there is help available locally for you and your family. 

Healthcare services are available for:

• Children aged 0 to 5.
• Families who have concerns about their child’s health, development or behaviour.
• Children with medical conditions, disabilities, developmental delay, or additional needs.
• Families who need help understanding what support is available and how to access it.

You do not need a diagnosis to get help - support is based on your child’s individual needs. 

Some of the key services that support children under 5 include:

• Health Visitors: support with feeding, sleep, routines, toilet training, and child development
  
• Specialist Health Visitors for children with SEND: extra support and advice if your child has a disability or complex needs
  
• Community Paediatricians: doctors who assess children’s development and coordinate care for health needs
  
• Speech and Language Therapy (SALT): support with communication, understanding and speaking
  
• Occupational Therapy (OT): help with everyday skills like dressing, eating or playing
  
• Physiotherapy: support with movement, coordination and mobility
  
• Children’s Centres: local hubs offering health appointments, play sessions, parenting support and more
  
• Portage Service: home-visiting service for children with developmental delay and their families
  
• Audiology and Vision Clinics: hearing and vision checks and follow-up care
  
• Nutrition and Dietetics: help with feeding difficulties or dietary needs
  

These services often work together with your GP, nursery, early years setting or the Early Years SEND Team. 

You can access support in a few ways:

• Speak to your GP, health visitor or nursery - they can refer you to the right service.
• Contact services directly if your child is already known to them.
• If you need more help coordinating support, speak to the Early Years SEND Team or your local Children’s Centre.

In some cases, your child may need a referral for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if their needs are ongoing and require additional support in education settings. 

Croydon offers a variety of healthcare services for children under 5, including routine health checks, vaccinations, and support for children with specific health or developmental needs.

Services are available through various local providers, including:

• Best Start Health Visiting Service: A universal service supporting families from pregnancy until a child turns 5, offering advice on health, development, and parenting. Please click here for more information. 
• Best Start Children's Centres: These centres provide various activities and support services, including baby massage, stay and play sessions, and speech and language support for under-5s. Please click here to find your nearest centre. 
• Community Paediatrics: A team of doctors offering community-based services to children with developmental and learning challenges (GP referral required). Please click here for more information.
• Chatterbox Groups: Drop-in sessions for families with children under 5 who have concerns about their child's speech and language development.
• SENDIASS Croydon: A charity supporting parents of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, offering guidance and resources. Please click here for more information.
• Parent Infant Partnership: Offers support to parents-to-be and parents of babies up to 24 months, focusing on building strong, positive relationships with their infants. Please click here for more information. 
• Croydon Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): Provides mental health assessments and treatments for children and young people experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties.
• Croydon University Hospital: Offers a range of paediatric services, including a 24-hour Accident and Emergency department, ensuring immediate care for urgent health concerns.

In Croydon, specialist health visitors provide support for children under 5 with disabilities. These trained professionals offer tailored guidance and early intervention to help children reach their full potential. They work with families to create personalised care plans, providing advice on child development, health, and additional support services.

If your child has a disability or special needs, a specialist health visitor can ensure they receive the appropriate care and help. 

Crystal Children's Development Centre | Croydon Health Services NHS Trust

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust - Community Services

IPSEA – asking for an Early Review - Template letter 5: asking for an early review of an EHC plan

Contact for families with disabled children - Annual reviews | Contact