Wakefield 0-19 Service

Health Visitors, School Nurses and Family Nurses work together to support child development and promote the health of children, young people and families.  Locally this is referred to as the Wakefield 0-19 service. 

Health Visitors

Health Visitors are Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (SCPHN) who are also registered midwives or nurses. They specialise in working with families with a child aged 0-5 to identify health needs as early as possible. This is with the aim of improving health and wellbeing by promoting health, preventing ill health and reducing inequalities.

What do health visitors do?

• Build on families' strengths
• Give every baby the best start in life
• Connect families to the right support and find solutions together
• Provide extra support when families need it the most
• Work in partnership with families, communities and professionals to promote health and well-being and reduce health inequalities
• Promote child development including support with sleep, speech, language and communication, behaviour and readiness for School
• Support children with additional needs and special educational needs and disabilities
• Support with physical and mental health
• Support with safeguarding

When will we see the Health Visitor?

The Health Visitor will visit you at home to undertake health and well being reviews at the below stages:

• Antenatal, prior to you having your baby
• New baby review, following the birth of your baby
• Six to eight week review
• Nine to twelve month review
• Two to two and a half year review

The Health Visiting service also delivers the Sensory Stay and Play groups within Childrens Centres.  If your child has an identified sensory or communication need and you feel unable to attend universal play groups or play settings, then you and your child may benefit from attending the groups.  The groups are an opportunity to come along and play with your child, meet other parents who are going through similar experiences, have fun and pick up tips on how to support your child's learning and development.  Attendance at the groups is referral only; please contact the below number to discuss further.

School Nurses

School nurses are Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (SCPHN) who work with school-aged children and young people and their families to improve health and wellbeing outcomes and reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities. School nurses are registered nurses or midwives who have undertaken additional training and qualifications. 

If you need to contact your Health Visitor or School Nurse for support, please call the Wakefield 0-19 Service on 0300 373 0944, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.