A pilot of the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status tool.

Between February and July 2006, Milton Keynes health visitors piloted the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), inviting every two-year-old (n=100) living in the Sure Start Local Programme area for a review of their health and development. PEDS is a validated tool that assists in the identification and prediction of developmental, behavioural and social or emotional issues in children from birth to eight years. This tool was also highlighted by 'Health for all children' as one for possible use. The pilot showed evidence that it was beneficial in identifying current developmental, behavioural and social or emotional issues, promoting communication between parents, departments and other agencies, developing a clear pathway of care to ensure appropriate and timely referral and follow up, and increasing parental satisfaction with the child health review. The predictive element of PEDS has yet to be corroborated by our pilot, as children are still being followed up. With parents' signed permission, information about the results of their child's health review is shared with other statutory and voluntary agencies so that where issues are identified, activities can be started in order to minimise the likelihood of developmental delay in any specific area.