Developmental paediatric assessments

A comprehensive assessment service for children under 5 years old with developmental concerns, led by specialist developmental paediatricians at Kidswell Health.

What we assess

The Developmental Paediatric Assessment service provides structured assessments for children under 5 years old with concerns about:

Developmental Delay

Assessment of language, motor and cognitive development concerns in children under 5.

Behaviour & Regulation

Structured review of behavioural and regulatory difficulties not indicative of likely neurodevelopmental conditions.

Physical Health & Growth

Early physical health and growth concerns not otherwise suitable for general paediatric review.

About the Developmental Paediatrics Service

Our Under-5s Developmental Paediatrics Service provides structured, evidence-based developmental assessments led by a specialist Developmental Paediatrician. The service focuses on early access, clear communication with families, and holistic assessment — covering medical, developmental and family history.

Assessments identify when therapy, neurodevelopmental or specialist referrals are needed. This service is designed as an Under‑5s assessment pathway and is not currently intended for long-term management into later childhood.

Early access to structured developmental review

Holistic assessment including medical, developmental and family history

Clear communication with families throughout the process

Timely identification of when therapy or specialist assessment is required

Two assessment formats available, with an optional Neurodevelopmental add-on

1.1 Initial Enquiry

Parents or healthcare professionals may refer. Our referrals team gathers the child’s demographics and main concerns, previous assessments, reports from other professionals, and whether others have recommended developmental assessment.

1.2 Clinical Triage Review

Our paediatric team will review the pre-assessment questionnaire, concerns and developmental stage, previous reports, and suitability for each pathway (Developmental, Neurodevelopmental, or Cognitive assessment). A clinical decision is then made on which pathway to proceed with.

2.1 Appointment Matching

Our referrals team will identify the appropriate clinician, correct assessment pathway (Standard vs Enhanced), duration required, and pricing for each stage.

2.2 Confirmation Pack

This will be sent to parents/carers and includes: payment link, appointment confirmation, directions for in-person visits, and instructions for completing forms or bringing previous reports.

A. Parent Discussion

Past medical, developmental, and family history. Social and environmental history.

B. Physical Examination

Height, weight & head circumference, BMI calculation, general systems exam, review of dysmorphic features or unusual birthmarks, neurological exam if concerns.

C. Developmental Screening (SGS-II)

Standard for all under 5s. Quick and simple developmental profile. Observational assessment if SGS-II cannot be completed.

D. Discussion & Recommendations

Immediate feedback and if required, follow-up steps agreed. These may include: SLT, OT or PT assessment; ADHD or Autism assessment; blood tests (TDL); WGS; Griffiths III; cognitive assessment; imaging; specialist referrals; dietitian review.

Used when parents want more detail than SGS-II provides, or when clinical complexity requires a broader profile. Suitable up to age 6.

  • 1-hour parent-only appointment (history review)
  • 2-hour face-to-face with child (Griffiths + physical exam)
  • 30-minute scoring period
  • 1-hour feedback appointment (results + next steps)

Next steps follow the same list as the Standard Pathway.

If neurodivergence is suspected and an autism or ADHD assessment is needed, this component includes additional neurodevelopmental assessment questions.

  • A structured 30-minute interview (during assessment or separate call)
  • Includes Social Communication History
  • May lead to a recommendation for autism or ADHD assessment

If parents choose to proceed with recommendations, this may include:

  • Therapy assessments (SLT, OT, PT)
  • ADHD or Autism assessment
  • Blood tests (TDL) including possible Pica testing
  • Whole Genome Sequencing (requires formal consent)
  • Griffiths III or Bayley’s developmental assessment
  • Cognitive assessment
  • Imaging
  • Specialist referrals
  • Dietetics

Possible onward steps:

  • Watch and wait; discharge and return if needed
  • Active developmental monitoring (repeat assessment in 6–12 months)
  • Specialist assessment (Neurology, educational psychology)
  • Follow up with different speciality (e.g. SLT)
  • Return to NHS — parallel care possible

Stage 5 — Report Writing

A structured report is sent within 2 weeks. It includes: summary of concerns, history and examination findings, SGS-II or Griffiths results, formulation, and recommendations with an agreed action plan.

Stage 6 — Follow-Up

Follow-ups occur when review of developmental progress is needed (6–12 months), further investigations require discussion, Griffiths or cognitive testing results need review, or parents request further guidance. A follow-up report is sent within 2 weeks.

Assessment Formats

Two assessment formats are available, with a Neurodevelopmental Add-on where required.

Standard Developmental Assessment

90 minutes. Includes parent discussion, physical examination, developmental screening using SGS-II, and discussion with immediate feedback. Suitable for all under-5s.

Enhanced Assessment (Griffiths III)

Multi-appointment pathway for detailed assessment up to age 6. Includes parent-only history session, 2-hour face-to-face with child, scoring period, and feedback appointment.

Neurodevelopmental Add-on

30-minute add-on to either pathway. Includes structured neurodevelopmental interview and Social Communication History where neurodivergence is suspected.

Meet the team

Dr Hemma Velani
Dr Hemma Velani Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Clinical Lead
Dr Sveta Alladi
Dr Sveta Alladi Developmental Paediatrician
Dr. Gabriel Chain
Dr. Gabriel Chain Consultant Paediatrician, Clinical Lead
Dr. Robert Stellman
Dr. Robert Stellman Consultant Paediatrician, Clinical Lead
Dr Nicole Horwitz
Dr Nicole Horwitz Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician
Dr Deeksha Elwadhi
Dr Deeksha Elwadhi Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Debra Silver
Debra Silver Paediatric Physiotherapist

Developmental paediatric assessment pricing

Standard developmental assessment

Time required from you: Up to 1.5 hours
Cost: £540

Neurodevelopmental Add-on

Time required from you: Up to 30 minutes
Cost: £220

Enhanced developmental assessment

Time required from you: Up to 4 hours
Cost: £1485

Please note: these assessments cannot be used to diagnose ADHD or Autism.

Any additional appointments, tests or investigations will be charged separately. Payment is made in advance.
All pricing is subject to change. Please confirm final amounts with our referrals team.

Opening Hours

See below for our reception hours. Our clinic is open outside these times for appointments.

MONDAY - FRIDAY9:00 - 17:30
SATURDAYClosed
SUNDAY9:30 - 13:00
Outside these hours, our team can take your message but cannot book appointments. You may book online where available, or we’ll respond on the next working day.
Contact
+44 203 011 1843 WhatsApp

771 Finchley Road, London, NW11 8DN

reception@KidswellHealth.com

Developmental Pathway FAQs

Answers to common questions about our Under-5s Developmental Paediatrics service.

Who is the developmental paediatrics service for?
Do I need a GP referral to book a developmental assessment?
What is the Neurodevelopmental Add-on?
When will I receive the written report?
How long does a developmental paediatrics assessment take?
What happens after the assessment?

Book a Developmental Paediatrics Assessment

To refer a child or discuss whether this service is appropriate, get in touch with our team today.

Book an assessment
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Kidswell Health Limited is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is an independent regulator for health and social care in England. Provider ID: 1-20632056958

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