Questioning development

摘要

As it stands, there is no universal population measurement for infants in England - but that is all set to change. The Department of Health (DH) in England has decided now is the time to introduce an outcome measure for child development at age 2-2 V2 to compare and track progress regionally and nationally, inform the planning and commissioning of services, and identify areas for improvement, as well as finding out if investments in early intervention are making any difference. The current lack of data among 0-5 year olds is in stark contrast to school-aged children, where pupils are measured and tested at many intervals. 'The Healthy Child Programme (HCP) review at age two is designed to help identify need and to put in place any support that is required. Bringing in this population measure will give professionals another tool to help them make an overall judgement,' says Penny Crouzet, Policy Lead, Outcomes and Indicators, Maternity and Starting Well at the DH England.