Topics: Caring for a child and Health
Ages and stages of child development
Guardians often ask what a child should be able to do at a certain age. This guide provides clear information about developmental milestones for all children, from babies to teenagers. You can also learn why children living in guardianship orders may develop differently and how you can help a child's development.
Raz from our support team explains ways you can support a child’s development
Child development timeline and tools to build skills
Children and young people develop skills in their own time, but tend to follow the same path. The stages of child development are often referred to as developmental milestones.
Take a look at this interactive guide on the ages and stages of child development from baby to a teenager from Children and Family Health Devon. It’s the best resource we have found online to help clearly explain what you can expect a child to be able to do when.
The interactive guide also includes links to guidance and tools for checking and developing these skills. If you struggle to navigate or access the guide, contact our team and we can help.
Not all children develop at the same rate. Do not be concerned if the child you care for is not meeting all the milestones for their age range. It is perfectly normal for one area to develop quicker than another.
However, if they are not meeting any of the milestones for their age range or you are concerned in any way, contact our support team to get guidance and be connected to expert advice.
Impact of early life trauma on development
All children living in special guardianship will have experienced early– life trauma, whatever their age. This can affect their behaviour and development, often in ways that are not obvious. They may be delayed in reaching milestones or display different behaviours to the ones listed in the development timeline.
Also, many children living in guardianship care have a disability, additional needs or specific learning difficulties that can affect their development at different ages.
The important message is that this is totally normal and you can have a positive impact. By paying careful attention to the child’s development, you will spot when they may benefit from extra checks or support. That support can come from other health or education professionals, such as their school, health visitor or GP.
Our support team includes experienced children's professionals who understand the realities of living in special guardianship orders. We can provide reassurance, perspective and practical guidance, as well as connect you to expert help.
If you have any questions or concerns about the development of the child you care for, please contact us as soon as possible.
Things you can do now
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Contact our team
Our children’s specialists can help with any questions or concerns you have about the development of the child you care for. We can provide practical guidance and reassurance.
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Explore the ages and stages timeline
This interactive guide on the ages and stages of child development from baby to a teenager from Children and Family Health Devon clearly explains what you can expect a child to be able to do when.
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Speak to the school or childcare provider
The child’s school or childcare provider should be able to provide you with extra insight into their progress and needs. They will be able to discuss and plan things you can each do to help.
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Read our behaviour guides
We have created a section of this guide for Behaviour. It covers common behaviours we support, how you can understand and improve them and the types of support available.
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Read our 'supporting a child with trauma' guide
All children living in special guardianship will have experienced trauma. This guide provides a helpful introduction to what that means and things you can do to help them move forwards.