Targeted health services
Targeted health services, can also be called additional support.
Children and young people with more complex needs can receive help through targeted health services. Targeted health services are provided after an assessment or a referral. In the short term, you may receive support from a:
- GP
- dentist
- education setting
- health visitor
- school nurse
- social worker.
Community Paediatrics Service
The Community Paediatrics Service (CPS) investigate, diagnose and helps with neurodevelopmental disorders including:
- ADHD
- autism
- cerebral palsy
- developmental delay
- muscular dystrophy.
The team consists of consultant paediatricians, specialist nurses, and administrators. The CPS can provide useful resources and can contribute towards your education, health and care (EHC) plans.
They also provide expertise in safeguarding, child protection and looked after children (LAC).
Referrals
To refer your child or young person, you should contact your local community NHS trust. In the meantime, you may find guidance on the NHS website helpful:
- Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Thanet
- Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells
- Swale.
Kent and Medway Wheelchair Service
You can get a wheelchair from Kent and Medway Wheelchair Service. A healthcare professional can refer you to them. Upon receiving your referral, they'll discuss your needs.
Learn more about the Kent and Medway Wheelchair Service.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists support children and young people to:
- learn skills for an independent happy and fulfilling life
- dress
- help with their movement and coordination skills
- support with skills, mealtimes and sensory processing
- reach their goals
- be a part of their local community.
Referrals
To see an occupational therapist (OT), ask your doctor, social services, or pay privately. Visit your local community NHS trust website to learn more about OTs:
- Ashford, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe
- Canterbury Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells
- Swale.
Paediatric physiotherapy
Paediatric physiotherapists help babies, children and young people.
They support them to:
- develop their gross motor skills (for example walking and jumping)
- be more independent
take part in and enjoy life.
Physiotherapists will also listen to what matters to you and your family. They will:
- discuss any concerns and work together to work out if and how physiotherapy can help
- support with others your child or young person's health and wellbeing
- work in the most appropriate environment for your family
- treat a range of conditions, motor development and illnesses.
Referrals
To see a paediatric physiotherapist, ask your doctor or social services.
Visit your local community NHS trust website to learn more about paediatric physiotherapists:
- Ashford, Dover, Folkestone
- Canterbury, Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells
- Swale.
Speech and language therapy
Speech and language therapy helps those with communication problems. This includes:
- children with a cleft lip and/or palate
- feeding difficulties
- Developmental Language Disorder
- Dyspraxia
- selective communicators.
They can offer advice and information to families, nurseries and schools.
Referrals
Contact your local community NHS trust to make a referral:
- Ashford, Dover, Folkestone
- Canterbury, Dartford,Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells
- Swale.
Specialist Teaching and Learning Services (STLS)
Our Specialist Teaching and Learning Services (STLS) provide education support services for children and young people (0 to 19 years) with sensory and physical disabilities, or complex needs.
Their goal is to help your child reach their learning goals.
Learn more about the Specialist Teaching and Learning Services (STLS).