I've received a letter from the health visiting team stating that it's time for DD's 8 - 12 month assessment (she's 15 months), and that an appointment has been made for her, then a date given (which I can't make, as I work f/t).
There's information in the letter about what to expect, i.e. discussion on child development, home safety etc., and it's an opportunity to discuss any of my concerns.
There's also a questionnaire to fill in, all about general health, immunisations, eating and other developmental areas.
On the face of it, all well and good, looks like they're doing a good job of performing the appropriate checks, and that's great. BUT... My question is, is there any legal or statutory requirement forcing me to attend this appointment?
This isn't a HV-bashing thread, but ours was absolutely useless (for various reasons)and didn't bother coming round for the 4-month check, so if I had any concerns I used the now defunct local drop-in clinic to chat to someone or get DD weighed.
I don't have any concerns about DD's health or development, she eats and sleeps well, has only had one proper cold, is developing nicely (fast crawling, some standing, not yet walking), claps, points and all that. I just feel we've never got anything positive out of the HV system and I'd rather the appointment went to someone who might really need it. If I had any real concerns, I'd see a doctor.
Sorry for the epic post and thanks for reading, I just need some advice before I contact them next week to either let them know we won't be attending or to re-arrange the appointment.