Early Years Pathway

Stage 1: Antenatal - Unborn to birth

There is midwife antenatal support for you, your wellbeing and preparing for birth within the first 8 to 10 weeks of your pregnancy.

Register your pregnancy through the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust on the Badger Notes website.

Perinatal support is available if you are at risk of struggling with your emotional health or well-being during pregnancy and the first 2 years after the birth of your child. Visit the Family Action website for details on Stockton Perinatal Support Service. 

You will receive your first scanning appointment at 12 weeks and again at 20 weeks.

You will then see your midwife regularly at weeks 16, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 38. Your midwife will also visit you at home between 20-24 weeks.

A home visit from your health visitor to introduce the service and talk about you and your family's health and wellbeing between 28 to 33 weeks.

When you are around 28 weeks you can book on to a parentcraft session at your local family hub delivered by midwives and family hubs. Advice and information on preparing for your baby's birth, birthing options and beyond.

Visit the NHS Start for Life website for a complete guide to pregnancy and help with parenting.

View all services to help you during the antenatal stage

Stage 2: Welcoming your baby into the world - Birth to 3 months old 

When you are discharged from hospital you will be visited by a Community Midwife, to support you and your baby with your health and wellbeing. The midwife will then discharge you and your baby to a health visitor.

Register your baby's birth before they are 42 days old.  This will mean you can also claim Child Benefit, a weekly allowance to support your child. Visit the GOV.uk website to register your child's birth. 

For more information on child benefits visit the GOV.uk website. 

You baby's health visitor will visit between 10 to 14 days after birth, to provide advice and support for you and your babies health and wellbeing.  They will visit you again around 4 to 6 weeks after, to discuss any further support you may need.

Now is a good time to register your baby with a local dentist. Find your local dentist on the NHS website.

Find out more on how to look after your baby's teeth and when to start brushing on the NHS website.

At 8 and 12 weeks old, your baby is due their first immunisations. This includes the 6-in-1 vaccine. Find out more about the 6-in-1 vaccine on the NHS website. 

Visit the NHS website to find out what vaccinations are needed and the schedule. 

There are many groups in your local Family Hub and community, including stay and plays, baby clinics, breastfeeding support and much more.

View all services to help you during the birth to 3 month stage

Stage 3: From 4 months old to 9 months old

At 16 weeks old, your baby is due a further immunisation.  

At 3 to 4 months old, a visit from your health visitor will provide you with advice and support for you and your baby's health and wellbeing. 

There are many groups in your local Family Hub and community, including: 

• stay and plays
• baby clinics 
• breastfeeding support
• weaning

View all services to help you during the 4 months to 9 months old stage

Stage 4: From 9 months to 2 years old

You will receive a visit from your health visitor when your baby is between 9 and 12 months old. They will complete a development check on your baby. Find out more about development reviews on the NHS website. 

When your child is 1 years old, they are entitled to a vaccination.

When your child is 9 months to 2 years old they could be entitled to 30 hours funded childcare if you are a working parent. Find out more about help paying for childcare.

When your child is 2 years old and you receive certain government support, you could be entitled to 15 hours funded childcare. Find out more about free childcare for 2 year olds.

View all services to help you during the 9 months to 2 year old stage

Stage 5: 2 years old and older

At 2 to 2 and a half years old, your child will receive a review of their health and development. This will involve yourself, a health visitor, and any childcare provider your child is registered with. 

At 3 years and 4 months old, your child is entitled to receive a pre-school booster vaccination.

Every 3 and 4 year old is entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week which can be accessed at a school nursery, private day nursery or a childminder. Find out more about free nursery entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds.

If you are a working parent you may also be entitled to an additional 15 hours of funded childcare per week. Find out more about help paying for childcare.

At 3 and a half to 4 years old, you will receive a visit from your health visitor, they will check if there is any advice or support you may need.

View all services to help you during the 2 years and older stage