QICN welcomes publication of the refreshed Healthy Child Programme
10 February 2026
The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has welcomed the publication of the updated Healthy Child Programme (HCP) by the Department of Health and Social Care on Friday 6 February.
The HCP is the national framework for improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people in England from birth to age 19, and up to 25 for care leavers and those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The programme sets out evidence-based approaches to prevention, early intervention and family support, underpinning statutory responsibilities for local authorities and health services while aligning with broader health policy ambitions to promote equity and integrated care. It emphasises universal reach with proportionate support for those who need it most and encourages joined-up working across health, education and social care.
We welcome the refreshed Healthy Child Programme as a vital policy blueprint for improving child and family health across England. Its focus on prevention, early support and integration reflects the reality of community nursing practice and the needs of children, young people and families. A strong, evidence-based framework like this can help ensure every child has the best possible start in life and that community nurses are supported to deliver high-quality, joined-up care where it matters most.
Steph Lawrence MBE, Chief Executive of The QICNKey elements of the updated framework include guidance for commissioning and delivering public health nursing services – including health visiting and school nursing – alongside interventions that support healthy development, immunisation, screening, mental wellbeing, resilience and early identification of additional needs.
Read the updated guidance here.
Main photo courtesy of Pexels, Vanessa Loring
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