Uptake on 2 to 2.5-year reviews has significantly increased in West Northamptonshire since 2023/24

Significant improvements have been delivered to the uptake and quality of the Healthy Child Programme reviews for 2 to 2.5 year olds, with West Northamptonshire reaching an uptake of 80% in March 2026 for the first time in five years.

The 2 to 2.5-year reviews are a mandated health and development check for toddlers. It evaluates a child's physical growth, speech, and social skills, and provides tailored advice on key milestones like behaviour, sleep, and dental care.  

They are an important part of the WNC Best Start in Life Plan’s focus on early years development to ensure all children can achieve the best start in life and increase the proportion of children who have a good level of development at reception age so they can go on to thrive as adults.  

Following a national directive, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT) have been working together to improve the performance of reviews since 2023/24 when uptake had slipped to 54% due to a backlog created during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A new way of organising and booking the reviews was introduced, so it is now simpler for families, and they have more choice over where and when to have their appointment.  

Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, West Northamptonshire Council, said: “It’s great to see the progress our 0–19 team has made in improving these important reviews for families across West Northamptonshire. 

“Reaching 80% uptake ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement and means more children are getting the support they need at a key stage in their development. This is making a real difference to families and helping give children the best start in life.” 

Louisa Russell, Assistant Director for Integrated Children’s Services, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We recognise family life can be busy, therefore offering more flexible appointments was an important part of our improvement plan.  

“Colleagues within the health visiting teams have worked hard and ensured processes are in place to make sure this improvement can be maintained. The growing relationship and joint working with Family Hubs has also proved beneficial as families can now access multiple services in one place, including their child’s development reviews.” 

For more information about the service visit the West Northamptonshire 0-19 Service web page.