Baby and child development (including language development)

Your child is developing from the day they are born, using what they see, hear, experience and the interactions they have. It’s important to remember every child is different and your child may develop at a different rate to another.

Your Health Visitor will help you to assess your child's developmental level when they are aged 1 and 2 years-old. If you are concerned about your child's development, please contact your Health Visitor directly or use the Health Visitor contact page.

Find out more information on how you can play a key role in supporting your child to reach their full potential on our child development page. Other helpful resources can be found at:

NHS resources on baby and child development
OWL Babies programme: Lewisham Children and Family Centres run the OWL Babies programme, which are outdoor activities for babies to support and enhance their brain development.

Early language development and improving your home learning environment

Family Hubs Lewisham offer a range of activities and resources to support your baby and child's communication and early learning. Find out more about sessions and courses at your local Family Hub here. You can also access support for speech and language development on our speech and language webpage.

Making it REAL

Making it REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) is a programme that works to support children’s early literacy and development. It is a fun, four-week programme to help you support your child's early learning and language development. To find out more or book a place, please contact Angela on 07432 739032 or email Nicholas.White@lewisham.gov.uk.

BookStart scheme

Receive a free book pack and resources for your baby or child. Visit the BookStart website to access resources online or email Nicholas.White@lewisham.gov.uk to find out about accessing physical resources.

Lewisham Libraries

Lewisham Libraries have many activities and resources to help you to support your child's early language development and home learning. View the Lewisham Libraries activity programme.

Help for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability

If your child has a special educational need or disability or you believe they may need additional support then visit our special educational needs page or view Lewisham's SEND local offer.