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Child Development Service

Wolverhampton Child Development Service (CDS) offers a city-wide, specialist integrated service for children birth to 5 years of age who may have factors that affect their development. The service works closely with Universal services to ensure early identification, support and treatment of children with SEND to improve long term outcomes. The team work closely with families to formulate an individual programme of assessment, diagnosis, care and support to meet the needs of each child through a coordinated approach.

Our Services

  • Specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Advice and interventions based on individual needs.
  • An integrated approach to assessment and intervention.
  • Close liaison with all professionals involved with the child and family.
  • Support to access and transition into nurseries and school.
  • Timely referrals to appropriate services when required.
  • Contribution towards advice for Education, Health and Care plans when required.
  • Provide support and guidance to parents on all aspects of their child’s development, progress and future planning.

What we do

The outcomes for children and families

  • Children receive a specialist individual assessment which will identify strengths and needs.
  • Children may receive a specialist intervention and treatment programme building on child’s strengths. 
  • Children’s progress is reviewed so they can achieve the best outcomes.
  • Families are supported through the process of identification so that they can make informed choices.
  • Through TAC families receive a coordinated approach to meet their child’s needs
  • To ensure all reasonable adjustments that are necessary are in place to overcome any barriers to participation, achievement and quality of life for the child

Statutory guidance we follow

  • Children and Families Act 2014
  • NICE guidance relating to individual conditions
  • Children’s Act 2004

Who works for the service?

When a child will be considered for support

  • If they are resident in Wolverhampton
  • If they are registered with a Wolverhampton CCG GP
  • Where developmental problems are suspected including complex health needs
  • CDC specialist groups - children are required to be resident in Wolverhampton
  • We liaise with other local authorities/health services when a family moves from or into Wolverhampton

Making a referral

  • The team is accessed via the Child Development Multi-Agency Referral Panel and professionals from a range of services can make a referral with the consent of the family.
  • Direct referrals to individual health services
  • Parents are advised to seek support and referral from their GP/Health Visitor.
  • The panel discusses each referral and will determine appropriate agencies involvement.
  • Referrals to health services would be seen within the 18-week pathway although a child would be prioritised and seen urgently if a potential urgent health need is identified.
  • Here you can find the Multi Agency Referral Form.

Where we work

The Gem centre is a purpose built fully accessible building. All staff from health and education carry out visits within the community to homes, clinics and schools.

Our specialist groups operate from:-

The Gem Centre  or  Warstones School

Both settings are fully accessible.

Our work with families

We recognise that for parents and carers having a child referred with additional needs can be a difficult and demanding time. We aim to provide a supportive service that can be provided in a child and family centred way. In delivering our services through The Gem centre, we strive to provide an integrated approach so that support and advice is joined up and coordinated.

  • Assessment and reports on individual children
  • Specialist early intervention, therapy and teaching programmes 
  • Advice for Education, Health and Care plans 
  • TAC minutes and integrated goals
  • A range of satisfaction survey questionnaires
  • Close liaison with the Universal services involved with the child to ensure that they are fully informed of any treatment programmes
  • Text service

Complaints

In the first instance contact would be made with the Head of Service of the individual service

Further information:

Local authority services would be in line with Wolverhampton City Council complaint and compliments procedure

Other useful links:

Patient Advice and Liasion Service (PALS) - Royal Wolverhampton Trust

Customer Service - (formerlyPALS) - Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust

Contact Details

Child Development Service

Lisa Holingshead   01902 556517    or       Pam Lemm   01902 446275

Address:

The Gem Centre
Bentley Bridge Business Park
Neachells Lane
Wednsfield
Wolverhampton
WV11 3PG
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