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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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).