Causeway Child Development Centre

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Evangeline Smith
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1 Causeway Child Development Centre

2 What is the Causeway Child Development Centre? This is a centre where children, especially those with special needs, can be seen, assessed or treated by health, social care and educational professionals. We work together, as a team, but individual professionals may also see your child here. Any child with a medical, developmental, or behavioural problem may be referred to our service. What is a Multidisciplinary Team? Many children with special needs, be they physical, developmental or both, see a number of professionals in different places. This is often difficult and confusing for families. Services may overlap, or gaps may exist. The multi disciplinary team for any one child is made up of a number of professionals, including those already involved with the family. Our aim is to work in partnership with yourselves, as carers, by providing you with information about your child s condition and the services available, not only from our local Trust, but also from voluntary and outside agencies. We endeavour to tailor the services your child receives with his/her individual needs. The Multi Disciplinary Clinic This is a clinic where the members of the team meet with yourselves, in order to establish a clear idea of your child s needs, and agree a plan for the future. We welcome anyone you may wish to accompany you as a support person, such as a family member, friend, or representative of a voluntary agency. A discussion will be held about your child and a plan will be agreed in partnership with yourselves. A key worker is nominated, usually the professional working most closely with your family at this time. This person is your link to the team, and undertakes to communicate between you and other team members. Follow-up discussion is arranged, and parents are invited to attend these meetings. You are welcome to 2

We work together, as a team, but individual professionals may also see your child here. Any child with a medical, developmental, or behavioural problem may be referred to our service.

3 attend these follow up meetings, but if for some reason you find yourself unable to attend please inform your key worker who will relay your views to the meeting and discuss matters arising with you afterwards. If at any time, your child s needs change significantly, we would invite you to a full Multi Disciplinary Review. Your GP and other professionals involved are kept fully informed of decisions and plans for your child. Who are the members of the Team? Consultant Paediatrician and Community Paediatric Medical Team The Paediatrician s role is to assess your child s medical needs, to try to find the cause of his/her problems, giving you as much information as possible, to involve other professionals, and to co-ordinate services to your child. The Paediatrician usually attends the multi disciplinary meetings. The consultant paediatrician is supported by the community paediatric medical team. This team offers assessment for any child who may have problems with development, behaviour, education or general health issues. Children who require assessment of special educational needs and those who have difficulties at school referred by the Educational Welfare Officer, are also seen at the centre. Health Visitor Your Health Visitor gives support and guidance, and carries out assessments on your child s development. If your Health Visitor has any concerns she may refer your child to the Child Development Centre. Physiotherapist If a child has a problem with their physical development or in the way they move, they are often referred to a children s Physiotherapist. She will assess your child and give you exercises and advice on activities, which will help your child learn new physical skills. You will be encouraged to 3

Your GP and other professionals involved are kept fully informed of decisions and plans for your child. Who are the members of the Team?

4 use lots of play and toys to help your child along with the exercises. The Physiotherapist may recommend hydrotherapy - exercise in warm water. Children love it and enjoy the freedom of movement it allows. Speech and Language Therapist Speech and Language Therapists assess and treat children with communication problems. Children may have difficulties with attention, listening, playing, understanding, communicating, or feeding. The speech & language therapist offers advice and intervention to improve these skills. An important part of the service is offering advice to parents/carers and other professionals. Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapists who work with children aim to promote their highest level of ability and independence both at home and in school. Following a full assessment of your child, the Occupational Therapist may help by providing the following services:- Provision of specialised equipment at home, for example to help with bathing, showering, seating, toileting or mobility. Advice to parents, carers, teachers and schools on any necessary adaptations and/or specialised equipment in the home or school. Designing activity programmes as appropriate. Dietitian Your child may be referred to the Paediatric Dietitian if he/she has any special dietary needs, for example diabetes, coeliac disease, food allergies, childhood obesity, or if he/she is not gaining weight or has a feeding problem. Your Dietitian will assess the individual dietary needs of your child and advise you appropriately. 4

Children may have difficulties with attention, listening, playing, understanding, communicating, or feeding. The speech & language therapist offers advice and intervention to improve these skills.

5 Community Paediatric Nursing The Community Paediatric Nursing Team consists of registered children s nurses who have a community nursing qualification, and who provide nursing care, training and support for children and their families at home. They are a readily accessible source of support, information and advice for families and are based at the Child Development Centre. Social Worker The Social Worker has a key role in supporting families of children attending the Child Development Centre. He/she may advise you on services and provisions available to your child, and in particular, links to the Respite and Family Support Services. You will be given an opportunity to talk about your child and his/her needs either at the Child Development Centre or at home. The Social Worker may also assist you and your child in accessing services and obtaining allowances. He/she may also provide counselling for you or your child if appropriate. A specialised Social Worker may be involved in the assessment and provision of specialist equipment for your child if he/she has problems with hearing or vision. Educational Psychologist At the Child Development Centre the Educational Psychologist may: Carry out an initial assessment of your child s development. Offer advice on educational and behavioural issues. Discuss with you the statutory procedures that may be undertaken to ensure that your child s special educational needs will be catered for in school. If appropriate, refer your child to educational services that are available to meet the needs of pre-school children with special educational needs. 5

Social Worker The Social Worker has a key role in supporting families of children attending the Child Development Centre.

6 The Educational Psychologist will also liaise with your area Educational Psychologist who will assume responsibility for your child beyond the Child Development Centre. Pre-school Teacher Children may be referred to the pre-school Home Teacher by an Educational Psychologist. A teaching programme may be provided in the child s own home, or if appropriate, at the Toy Library or Early Years Group, both based at Sandelford School, Rugby Avenue, Coleraine. Parents are encouraged to continue the programme at home in between the more formal sessions. At the Child Development Centre, the Home Teacher provides parents with information on services provided by the Education Board for pre-school children with special needs. Administrative Staff The Child Development Centre Administrative team consists of 8 secretarial staff. The secretarial staff provide support to the medical and therapy staff based at the Centre. They are happy to deal with any queries you may have regarding appointments, and, if necessary, act as a contact point between you and your doctor or therapist. 6

A teaching programme may be provided in the child s own home, or if appropriate, at the Toy Library or Early Years Group, both based at Sandelford School, Rugby Avenue, Coleraine.

7 Contact Details For further information please contact:- The Child Development Centre Robinson Hospital 21 Newal Road Ballymoney BT53 6HB Tel Fax

8 web: This document is available, on request, in accessible formats, including Braille, CD, audio cassette and minority languages. NT/CS/05/11/ k CCD

net This document is available, on request, in

Child Development Centre John Parkes Unit

Child Development Centre John Parkes Unit Special Services For Special Children 23603 V1/Child Health/SDHCT/12.14/Review 12.16 Parking Contact Telephone Numbers Reception desk ( 01803 ) 655958 Nursery