Online course: Understanding your child’s development
Dear Parent/Carer,
Are you concerned about your child’s development?
Do you sometimes wonder whether your child is developing differently from other children their age, or want to better understand how you can support them at home?
The NHS are currently offering a five-session online course that offers a welcoming, non-judgemental space where parents and carers can learn practical strategies, ask questions, and connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Each online session lasts approximately 90 minutes, allowing plenty of time for discussion and reflection. There is absolutely no pressure to speak or have your camera on if you would prefer simply to listen.
The sessions build upon each other week by week, so we strongly encourage attendance at all sessions where possible.
Throughout the course, they will explore:
Communication
– What do we mean by communication?
– Parent and child interaction
– Play and intensive interaction
– Improving attention
– Getting started with visual aids
Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs
– What is sensory processing?
– Understanding our eight senses
– Sensory differences and self-regulation
– Strategies to support children who may be struggling
Understanding Your Child’s Behaviour
– What is behaviour and what is its purpose?
– Knowing your ABCs
– Building on strengths
– Managing expectations and emotions
– Helpful strategies and rewards
Understanding Your Child’s Sleep
– Why sleep matters
– Circadian rhythms and sleep cycles
– Developing healthy sleep habits
– Common sleep difficulties and practical ideas to improve sleep
Next Steps
– Toilet training
– Local and national SEND support services
– Nursery and school support
– Understanding who is part of your child’s team
At the end of each session, you will receive a brief summary of the topics covered, along with links to useful resources and further support.
Course Format:
• Evening Course – delivered over five weeks
• Daytime Course – delivered over three weeks, combining Sessions 1 & 2 and Sessions 3 & 4
We hope this course will help you feel more confident, informed, and supported as you continue to advocate for your child.
If you feel that this will benefit you and your child, then please contact Nicky Bourne or Libby Butcher, SEND Health Practitioners 0-19 Service (Health visitors and school nurses) by emailing wchc.sendhealthteam@nhs.net
Please include your child’s name and date of birth so that we can ensure that we are able to record your interest.
The available dates and times are available via the following link:Understanding your child’s development - Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Kind regards,
Mrs Salt
SENDCo
