Healthy Child Programme: final report
3.2.9. Developmental Skills
Following the consultation the project team recommend the following headings and definitions are used for recording developmental skills:
| Developmental skills | |
| Developmental skill | The name of the developmental skill (e.g. walks independently, smiles, finger feeds etc.). |
| Date first achieved | The date the developmental skill was first achieved (developmental first) as reported by the parent. This is primarily for parent reporting as part of parent child health record at the time the skill is acquired. |
| Date of enquiry | The date the parent or carer was asked by a health professional about the developmental skill (milestone). |
| Result of enquiry | Whether the developmental skill was achieved, not achieved or equivocal. |
| Date of observation | The date a health professional observed or tested a developmental skill (milestone). |
| Result of observation | Whether the developmental skill was achieved, not achieved or equivocal. |
| Comments | Supporting text may be given regarding the developmental skill. |
Implementation guidance should specify that a partial date can be entered if the parent is unsure of the exact date the developmental skill was achieved.
In the online survey for work package 2/3, respondents were asked whether the developmental skills included in the Personal Child Health Record should be changed. Although some respondents suggested changes, the response rate for this question was small. Our framework allows for other developmental skills to be added or removed as required.
The project team recommends that a list of SNOMED CT developmental skills is defined by the UKTC working with parents and the PRSB. The subset should include developmental skills for children up to the age of five years, for use by the wider child health community. This subset should also include the following developmental skills which survey respondents suggested should be recorded to indicate that the child is ready to start school:
- Listening skills
- Communication skills
- Ability to dress/undress
- Ability to follow instructions
- Toilet trained
Page last updated: 31 March 2026