The health and care needs of under-5s and their families report
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If you require this report in a different format, please contact us by emailing info@healthwatchkingston.org.uk
Background
This Healthwatch Kingston community engagement report captures the lived experiences of parents, carers, and other adults involved in the care of children aged 0-5 living in Kingston upon Thames and neighbouring areas. Our survey received 100 complete responses and 31 partial submissions. Insights were gathered on health and care service use, family needs, emotional and physical wellbeing, and areas for health and care system improvement.
This engagement provides a detailed picture of the challenges faced by families with young children. While some services – especially early years centres, GPs, and certain health visitors – were praised, many families experience fragmented care, long waits, and inadequate support when dealing with complex needs or neurodiverse children.
Report Recommendations:
- Improve integration between services and introduce care coordinators for families with complex needs.
- Tackle wait times for mental health, speech and language therapy, and SEND assessments.
- Support for caregivers' mental health should be a priority – especially postnatal.
- Expand and equitably distribute children’s centre provision across the borough.
- Enhance cultural competence and sensitivity in all early years settings.
- Ensure consistent access to advocacy and empower parents to participate in decisions.
