Health visiting
The Dorset HealthCare’s health visiting service is a key partner in supporting the health, development and wellbeing of babies and young children from the antenatal period through to age 5.
This service plays a central role in preparing children for their earliest learning experiences and ensuring they arrive in early years settings and school ready to thrive.
Supporting positive outcomes
Health visitors work closely with families, early years practitioners and a range of health and community professionals to promote positive physical, emotional and developmental outcomes for all children across Dorset. Their work sits within the 0 to 19 public health service alongside school nursing, providing continuity of support as children grow.
The website outlines the full offer available to families and professionals, including:
- support from pregnancy onwards, with every expectant parent offered antenatal contact from a health visitor around 28 to 30 weeks gestation
- home and community‑based visits covering key wellbeing topics such as maternal mental health, breastfeeding, healthy nutrition, physical activity, accident prevention and early child development - all essential foundations for school readiness
- developmental reviews at 6 to 8 weeks, 10 to 12 months and 27 months, helping settings and families understand a child’s progress and identify any emerging needs early
- digital support options, including virtual appointments through the Attend Anywhere platform, offering flexibility for families and professionals
- ongoing advice and signposting for families on a wide range of topics, including immunisations, emotional wellbeing and parenting support
Why this matters for schools and early years settings
Health visitors are a vital link in the early identification of need, safeguarding, and making sure that children enter early years provision with the best possible start. Their collaborative approach helps settings to:
- understand a child’s developmental background
- access relevant health information (with consent)
- work in partnership with families and practitioners to respond to emerging needs early
Visit Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust for essential information settings and schools need to connect effectively with their local health visiting team.