Parents and Carers of Children Under 5 Survey Report

Healthwatch Worcestershire carried out a survey to understand the experiences of parents and carers of children under five years old, focusing on pregnancy, birth, early parenting support, child development, and access to health services. The survey was designed to inform local service redesign, including the Starting Well programme, and to contribute to national discussions on maternity and early-years services. A total of 428 responses were collected through online surveys and face-to-face engagement, including responses from Black and Minority Ethnic communities. 

Overall, respondents reported positive experiences of pregnancy care. Most parents felt they received enough information and advice during pregnancy (87%) and enough information and choice about giving birth (76%). Community midwives were rated as the most helpful professional source of support, while the internet, books, magazines, family, and friends were widely used sources of information. 

Antenatal classes were generally viewed positively, regardless of whether they were delivered by Children’s Centres, midwives, or private providers such as the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). However, some parents reported that classes were not always available at convenient times for working families, and others were unaware that classes existed. Many people valued opportunities to meet other expectant parents and build peer support networks.

Most women gave birth in Worcestershire hospitals and generally reported positive experiences of maternity care. Sixty-nine percent rated their hospital care as good, and many praised the professionalism and support provided by midwives, particularly during labour and delivery. Positive feedback was also received about the Meadows Birthing Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. 

Despite this, concerns were raised about postnatal care. Many negative comments described perceived staff shortages on postnatal wards, with some mothers feeling unsupported, left alone for long periods, or lacking adequate breastfeeding support. Several respondents felt there were insufficient staff available at weekends, particularly for breastfeeding advice. 

Feedback about community midwives was particularly positive, with 74% rating the service as good. Parents valued the support they received, although some expressed concerns about a lack of continuity when they saw different midwives throughout pregnancy and after birth. 

Most parents were satisfied with health visitor services. Seventy percent rated newborn visits and six- to eight-week checks as good, and many said the support helped reassure them during the early stages of parenting. However, some parents reported that visits felt rushed or overly focused on assessment rather than support. A minority felt judged and therefore reluctant to contact health visitors for advice in the future. 

Parents generally reported satisfaction with developmental reviews carried out at nine to twelve months and at two years of age. However, many said they did not always understand the purpose or outcome of the reviews and felt that the process could become too focused on completing forms rather than discussing the child’s development. Some BME parents reported language barriers that made it difficult to understand what the checks were assessing. 

A recurring theme throughout the report was the importance of accessible support and advice for new parents. Family and friends were often regarded as the most valuable source of support. Parents also highly valued Children’s Centres, nurseries, voluntary organisations, and opportunities for face-to-face discussion. Although many used online resources and social media, these were generally not rated as highly as personal support. 

The survey identified concerns about breastfeeding support and postnatal mental health. Many parents wanted more access to breastfeeding advice at home and outside normal working hours. Only 44% felt they had received good information about anxiety and postnatal depression. Some parents reported that postnatal depression had not been recognised by health professionals, while others felt assessments were too superficial and focused on tick-box questions rather than meaningful conversations. 

Most parents reported being able to access GP appointments when their children were ill and were generally satisfied with the care received. However, some highlighted difficulties obtaining urgent appointments, long waits on the telephone, and concerns that reception staff did not always take their concerns seriously. A minority reported poor experiences, including missed diagnoses or feeling that their concerns about their child had not been listened to.

Over half of respondents had used NHS 111 and generally rated the service positively. Parents valued the reassurance, advice, and prompt responses they received. However, some felt the system relied too heavily on scripted questions, resulting in unnecessarily cautious advice and referrals that could create additional worry or lead to unnecessary visits to healthcare services

The findings from BME communities were broadly similar to those from the wider population, and in some areas experiences were even more positive. However, language barriers remained an important issue, particularly in understanding developmental reviews and accessing information. BME parents were less likely to use online resources and support groups, and some communities emphasised the importance of having healthcare delivered by professionals of the same gender wherever possible. 

Healthwatch Worcestershire concluded that most parents were satisfied with maternity, health visiting, GP, and early years services. However, improvements were needed in postnatal ward staffing, breastfeeding support, identification of perinatal mental health problems, access to health visitors, communication about developmental reviews, GP appointment systems, and ensuring information is accessible to all communities.