There’s a lot to think about when you are raising a child. Some people may need a little more help than others in the early stages and to help your child become ready for school.

What is Infant to School and how does it work?

Infant to School (I2S) is a voluntary programme which enables you to have visits from nursery nurses in our Health Visiting team, so that together you can identify and plan for your child’s needs, your needs and your family’s needs.

I2S can be offered from when your child is three months of age up to four years of age, ending when they enter school. If you are happy to go ahead with the programme, visits take place at home or at a mutually agreed venue.

Our nursery nurses bring their specialist knowledge in child and family health to help support your child’s development and their physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as your own. They can give guidance on practical issues and link you to other useful health and family support services as well as activities (for example parenting groups) within your local area.

What happens during a visit?

At each visit you will have the opportunity to talk with the nursery nurse about how things
are going and how your child is doing. We can help you to identify any needs or issues and to make plans or changes.

The nursery nurse will provide information about how to care for your child, and how to play and talk with them to help them grow and learn. They will also support you to identify and plan for your needs, your child’s needs and your family’s needs, including supporting you to get your child ready for school. The nursery nurse may also refer you to other health care or service providers.

Whenever possible, the same nursery nurse will visit. If your family does not speak English, interpreters are provided. The minimum length of the programme is one year, which is approximately four visits lasting 60-90 minutes.

Do I have to stay in the programme?

The I2S programme is voluntary and if you choose to participate, you can change your mind
at any time and withdraw. From time to time we will ask you questions to find out how you, your child and family are doing, and whether the I2S programme is helping you.  Any information collected will be kept confidential.