Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted
Paragraph: 86
Introduce annual holistic health and wellbeing assessments for all children and young people.
Conclusion
We propose that, in line with the introduction of Integrated Care Systems which seek to tackle health inequalities and focus on prevention, the Department ought to bolster the Healthy Child Programme, the programme for prevention and public health of children and young people aged 0–19-year-old and their families. We propose that the Government introduce annual holistic health and wellbeing assessments for every child and young person, using the existing workforce of school nurses, health visitors, as well as those in associated roles such as community paediatrics and primary care. These assessments should monitor a range of physical and mental health markers including, but not limited to, weight and mental wellbeing. They should provide an opportunity to explore the context in which the young person and their family live, how these circumstances can relate to their health. They should aim to engage the wider family (if appropriate, depending on age) to ensure early detection of potential health risks, with signposting to appropriate services if required.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government details existing work by OHID on person-centred language for obesity and the Better Health campaign, and mentions that the National Child Measurement Programme is trialling new approaches to help parents and professionals discuss weight supportively. However, it does not commit to introducing annual holistic health and wellbeing assessments for every child or specifically bolstering the Healthy Child Programme.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
86
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
There are no current plans to introduce nationally required annual holistic health and wellbeing assessments. An updated national health visiting and school nurse delivery model was published in 2021, providing guidance on how these services can be commissioned and provided locally. It provides greater emphasis on assessment of children, young people and family needs, and the skill mix to respond. This is to support local commissioning decisions and relevant partners in local authorities, the NHS , voluntary sector and partners. There are no mandated reviews for school-aged children. However, there are opportunities to develop reviews based on evidence and clinical judgement. These are suggested at important development stages and transition points. Partnership, integration, communication and multi-agency work remain key to improving outcomes. We will continue to support commissioners in ICBs and local government with resources, including a menu of evidence-based interventions for the Healthy Child Programme to address the needs of children and families.
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