Availability

Age Ranges

0-25 years

Referral required

 Yes

Referral Details

Referrals to the centre are accepted from:

- GP's
- School Nurses
- Health Visitors
- Speech Therapists

For children under 5 who are likely to require support from more than one secondary agency.

This may include

• General developmental delay.
• Impairment in social communication and interaction.
• Developmental delay which affects social/emotional development.
• A diagnosed relevant condition including autisitc spectrum disorder, Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy or other syndromes / genetic conditions.
• A deteriorating condition. 

For children over 5 years of age who have:

• A recently acquired condition which requires the Multi Disciplinary Teams ("MDT") assessment/support.
• A child with recognised needs who is new to the area and has not previously been seen by local services.
• A child with significant or complex needs which have changed and further assessment / advice is required by the MDT. 
• For children with complex medical / health / social needs which significantly impacts on development.

For children who require the support of more than one secondary service.

Other notes

Paediatric Outpatient Clinics - Outpatient clinics are held at the centre on a weekly basis and are run by paediatricians. Children with general medical; behavioural (including ADHD) or developmental problems are seen in these clinics. Children with hearing impairment can be seen in our purpose built Audiology Suite. In addition to this, clinics for children with Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchial Pulmonary Dysplasia and Neuromuscular concerns are also held here.
Multi-disciplinary Assessments - Children with multiple or complex problems are seen jointly by a team of professionals with a view to identifying the child's needs in all aspects of development. A medical examination will be carried out if necessary. Parents are invited to take part in the case discussion and the formulation of a care plan appropriate to their child's needs.
The team that provide this service can consist of a consultant paediatrician, a registrar, a speech and language therapist, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a clinical psychologist. Other relevant professionals, such as nursery staff or education professionals may also be invited for the case discussion. Members of the team present at the assessment will depend on the needs of each child.
Early Support / Team Around the Child - Early Support is a national programme aimed at improving the efficiency of how services for young children with disabilities in Englandwork together and with families. It implements Government guidance, "Together from the Start", published in 2003.
In relation to this, the centre holds Team Around the Child meetings for all patients with complex needs. These "TAC" meetings bring together those in most regular contact with the child and the family to discuss how things are progressing and to make a plan (Family Service Plan). These plans are usually written at the TAC meeting.
Health Visitors - Our health visitors act as a link between the Lighthouse Centre, other medical professionals, therapists, school nurses and parents. They are able to provide wide ranging information on local and national resources, including voluntary services.
Paediatric Rehabilitation
Paediatric Physiotherapy - The therapist will arrange sessions with patients according to a child's specific needs. Parents/carers will be advised on carrying out useful activities and exercises at home. Hydrotherapy sessions can be arranged where appropriate.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy - Children may also experience difficulties in personal care, co-ordination, visual perception and hand function. The children are assessed by occupational therapists and individual or group therapy sessions are provided. Parents/carers are given advice on techniques that may enhance or improve their child's social skills, play and leisure activities. Assistance on correct methods of seating and choosing appropriate aids and/or appliances will also be offered. The occupational therapy department offer groups to children which focus on utilising specific skills for activities such as dressing and handwriting skills.

Little Fishes Therapy Through Play - The Little Fishes "therapy through play" offers a variety of groups within the 0 - 5 year age range for children with additional needs. The groups aim to help children meet their individual needs in all areas of their development through fun play activities. This includes opportunities for interaction and making friends with other children in their group. To develop communication skills through play, including understanding and using spoken language or signing. Additionally, to develop children's independent physical skills, mobility, dressing, feeding and washing skills. Parents and/or carers are also encouraged to join in with these play activities to support the child's learning. The Little Fishes Therapy through play team consists of a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, nursery and play co-ordinator and a rehabilitation assistant. We aim to give advice and support to parents, including the children's early years setting.