Electronic resource set to support Healthy Child Programme

The resource, which is aimed at health visitors, midwives, paediatricians and speech and language therapists among others, was developed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

Public health minister Anne Milton, who launched the package, said the resource would both support new staff and allow existing staff to maintain and develop their skills.

"Getting a good start in life is a key priority for the government," Milton said.

"This country has a strong history of an effective and high-quality preventive health service that continues to protect and promote the health of children. The Healthy Child Programme is at the core of this service."

Professor Terence Stephenson, president of RCPCH, said the e-learning package will prove invaluable to all those working in early years.

"It is so important to promote health and wellbeing in the first five years of life as this is strongly linked to health outcomes in adulthood," he said. 

Obi Amadi, lead professional officer at the Community Practitioners’ and Health Visitors’ Association, said the resources would help professionals deliver better services for families.

"This resource allows healthcare practitioners to access and continue their professional development in an environment, and at a time and pace that suits them," she said.

"The Healthy Child Programme underpins the health visitor implementation strategy and these modules are designed to improve competences and refresh practice."

For more information on the course visit www.e-lfh.org.uk/healthychild.