Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)

Referral is usually needed when:

• Feeding difficulties: Issues such as poor latching, difficulty sucking or swallowing, or signs of tongue-tie that affect feeding.

• Delayed communication milestones: By 12 months, if a baby isn't babbling, responding to their name, or showing interest in sounds.

• Lack of eye contact or social engagement: Concerns about early social communication skills.(Bedfordshire Luton Children's Health, NHS Children's Health)

Who can refer: Parents, health visitors, GPs, or other healthcare professionals.

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Paediatric Physiotherapy

Referral is usually needed when:

• Delayed motor milestones: Not holding head up by 3 months, not rolling by 6 months, or not sitting by 9 months.

• Abnormal muscle tone: Stiffness or floppiness in limbs.

• Foot or hip concerns: Conditions like positional talipes (clubfoot) or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). (Clinical Guidelines Scotland)

Who can refer: Health visitors, GPs, or paediatricians.

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Paediatric Vision Screening / Optometry

Routine screening:

• Vision screening is typically offered at school entry (ages 4–5). (Healthier Together)

Referral is usually needed when:

• Visible eye abnormalities: Such as a squint (strabismus) or a white pupil.

• Lack of visual engagement: Not tracking objects or making eye contact by 14–16weeks.

• Family history: Of serious eye conditions.(Healthier Together, Healthier Together)

Who can refer: Health visitors, GPs, or optometrists.

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Paediatric Audiology / Hearing Tests

Routine screening:

• Newborn hearing screening is offered within the first few weeks of life. (Healthier Together)

Referral is usually needed when:

• Missed or failed newborn screening.

• Concerns about hearing: Not responding to sounds, not turning towards voices by 6 months, or delayed babbling.

Who can refer: Health visitors, GPs, or paediatricians.(NHS Children's Health)

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Paediatric Community Paediatricians

Referral is usually needed when:

• Complex developmental concerns: Such as significant delays across multiple areas (motor, speech, social).

• Medical conditions: Including Down syndrome, where regular monitoring is advised.

• Safeguarding concerns: Or social care involvement.

Who can refer: Health visitors, GPs, or other healthcare professionals.

If you have specific concerns about your child's development, it's advisable to discuss them with your health visitor or GP, who can guide you on the appropriate referrals.​​

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