Healthy Living
Specialist Child Health - Child Development Referral
Who are we?
The Child Development Centre is the base for the Specialist Child Health Service. This includes the community paediatric medical team as well as specialist physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, and a health visitor. The multi-disciplinary team provides assessment, advice and treatment for children with disabilities.
Referral Criteria - Who do we see?
Children who live in or go to school in Haringey who:
- Are suspected of experiencing physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect (section 47), where a medical is needed.
If you suspect abuse, this form explains how to refer - Have, or are likely to develop, a neurodisability e.g. very premature babies or a child with a brain injury, genetic disorder, or syndrome.
- Are younger than 5 years of age with a significant developmental delay where an assessment is needed to investigate possible causes.
- Are younger than 12 years of age and have or are suspected of having an autistic spectrum disorder and need a diagnostic assessment. (Children over 12 should be referred to CAMHS).
- Need a medical assessment as part of their statutory assessment of special educational needs.
- Have parents wanting specialist medical advice regarding immunisation.
We do not see
- Children with common childhood problems such as eczema, asthma, allergies, epilepsy or other health problems in the absence of developmental problems. The child's GP will be able to advise or refer to a general paediatric clinic at a local hospital.
- School aged children with general learning, literacy, numeracy or attention difficulties. The exception is when this is part of an overall concern that the child may have autism.
- Children who have speech & language difficulties, or coordination difficulties in the absence of any disability, genetic disorder or syndrome.
- Children/young people needing medical assessment of suspected sexual abuse. However, if the alleged assault took place more than 72 hours ago for any child under age 13 years or more than 7 days in a child over 13 years of age, Social Workers should call the service on 0208 442 5441 and we will arrange an appointment at a specialist clinic at University College Hospital. If the assault was within 72 hours for any child under age 13 years or within 7 days if the child is over 13 years of age the social worker or police should make an urgent referral directly to The Havens Clinic Whitechapel 0207 247 4787 or Paddington 0207 886 1101.
Referral
- Children who are suspected of experiencing physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect (section 47) should be referred by the child's social worker or the police by phone to our office at North Middlesex University Hospital - 020 8887 2493.
- We have a specific referral form to request medicals for Children in Care. Call 0208 442 6206 to request a copy of this referral form.
- Referrals for children with suspected neurodevelopmental difficulties or disabilities must be made by a professional who knows the child (i.e.: GP, Health Visitor or Hospital). They can be made on either our service specific referral form or ideally on our interagency Common Assessment Framework referral form (n.b.: all referrals of children attending a Haringey School will only be accepted on a CAF form via the CAF Panel). Children under 5 with disabilities will be discussed at the multi-agency Early Support planning meeting.
Children under 5 with disabilities will be discussed at the Early Support care planning meeting.
What happens when we receive the referral?
- Referrals for a section 47 child protection medical will be accepted immediately and offered the next appointment at our Child Protection Clinic at the North Middlesex University Hospital.
- All other referrals are taken to a weekly referral meeting, led by the Lead Consultant. Referrals that meet the service criteria are allocated to the most appropriate clinic, based on the information provided on the referral form. We aim to see children within 11 weeks of receipt of referral. Children subject to a Child Protection Plan are given priority.
- Children with a neurodevelopmental difficulty or disability are discussed at our fortnightly multi-agency Early Support Planning Meeting. This ensures services from health, education and social care are planned and co-ordinated effectively for families.
- The child's parents/carers, GP, Health Visitor or School Nurse and Social Worker (if involved) will be notified of all appointments offered and the outcome of appointments.
How to contact the Child Develoment Centre
The service is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
Child Development Centre (CDC)
St. Ann’s Hospital
St. Ann’s Road
London N15 3TH
t: 020 8442 6746 - reception
t: 020 8442 6868 - centre manager
f: 020 8442 6116
The service is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
This service is part of Children, Young People and Families Community Health services
