Your child’s health is your top priority—and regular check-ups with a private GP can help ensure they’re thriving at every stage. From tracking growth and development to spotting early signs of illness or behavioural issues, children’s health checks play a vital role in keeping young patients healthy and parents reassured.
In this guide, we’ll explain what to expect during a child’s health check with a private GP in London, which tests are typically included, and how tailored, same-day access to healthcare supports your family’s wellbeing—quickly and confidentially.
Why Regular Children’s Health Checks Matter
Preventive vs. Reactive Care
Children’s health checks are preventive by nature—meaning they’re designed to catch concerns before they escalate. Waiting for symptoms to become obvious may delay treatment, whereas regular assessments can highlight early warning signs in growth, nutrition, immunity, and behaviour.
Building a Consistent Medical History
Consistent check-ups give your GP a fuller picture of your child’s baseline health. This medical history is essential when making future diagnoses or monitoring developmental progress. A private GP can also maintain continuity of care even if your family travels or moves frequently.
Peace of Mind for Parents & Guardians
Children grow fast, and it’s natural to worry whether your child is developing “normally.” Seeing a private GP regularly provides space to ask questions, discuss concerns, and receive professional reassurance—without long NHS wait times or rushed consultations.
What to Expect at a Private GP Children’s Health Check
A children’s health check in a private clinic is thorough, unhurried, and tailored to your child’s age and medical background.
Comprehensive History & Lifestyle Review
Your GP will ask about birth history, feeding habits, sleep routines, toileting, exercise levels, screen time, allergies, and family medical history. This holistic insight helps guide the rest of the assessment.
Physical Examination
The GP will examine key health indicators such as:
- Height and weight
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Heart and lung function
- Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) health
- Abdomen and spine
- Skin and joints
These checks are non-invasive, child-friendly, and adapted to age and comfort levels.
Developmental & Behavioural Screening
Milestones like speech, social interaction, gross and fine motor skills, and emotional regulation are observed and discussed. This can help identify neurodevelopmental concerns such as ADHD, autism spectrum traits, or speech delays.
Vision & Hearing Tests
Age-appropriate screening may include vision charts or hearing assessments using tuning forks or audio devices, especially for school-aged children.
Growth-Chart Tracking
Your child’s measurements will be plotted on UK-standard growth charts to assess trends over time, ensuring they’re on a healthy trajectory.
Age-Specific Checks & Milestones
Infants (0–12 months)
- 6–8 week newborn checks (as recommended by NHS)
- Hip stability (to detect developmental dysplasia)
- Reflexes (e.g., Moro/startle, grasp)
- Immunisation catch-ups
- Feeding and weight gain review
Toddlers (1–4 years)
- Speech and language milestones
- Social development (play skills, eye contact)
- Physical coordination and balance
- Autism red flag checks
- Early dental eruption and brushing habits
School-Age Children (5–11 years)
- Vision screening and posture checks
- Nutritional advice for fussy eating or weight issues
- Early mental health assessment
- Academic and sleep-related concerns
Adolescents (12–18 years)
- Puberty development (Tanner staging)
- Acne, body image, and growth concerns
- Fitness to participate in sports
- Menstrual health, sexual wellbeing, and contraception advice
- Screening for anxiety, stress, low mood or self-harm behaviours
Vaccination & Immunisation Schedule (UK-Compliant)
Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in protecting children from serious illness. A private GP can:
- Review your child’s current immunisation status
- Provide catch-up jabs if any are missing
- Offer additional protection not covered by the NHS
Core NHS Childhood Vaccines Offered Privately
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- DTaP/IPV/Hib (6-in-1)
- Rotavirus, Pneumococcal, MenC
Optional Extras
- Chickenpox vaccine
- Meningitis B booster
- HPV vaccine for boys (not yet universally NHS-funded)
Travel Vaccines
If you’re travelling abroad with your child, your GP can provide a tailored travel vaccine schedule and guidance on malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A, and more.
Common Concerns Raised by London Parents
Frequent Colds & Respiratory Infections
Children under 5 often catch colds, but a GP will check for complications like ear infections, tonsillitis, or asthma.
Asthma & Allergy Testing
If your child has a persistent cough, eczema, or hay fever, your GP may recommend allergy testing or peak flow monitoring for asthma diagnosis.
Childhood Obesity & Nutritional Counselling
Weight issues are sensitively managed with evidence-based dietary advice, referrals to paediatric dietitians, or structured support plans.
Sleep Issues & Behavioural Disorders
Private GPs often spot patterns linked to night terrors, poor sleep hygiene, or underlying behavioural concerns like ADHD.
When to Book a Same-Day GP Appointment
Sometimes, you can’t afford to wait. Knowing when to act quickly can prevent worsening symptoms or unnecessary A&E visits.
Red Flag Symptoms That Require Urgent Review
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- High fever not responding to medication
- Rash that doesn’t fade under glass
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
- Head injuries
- Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry lips, lethargy)
How Same-Day Access Helps
Private GP clinics offer same-day appointments to give your child the attention they need when they need it—without lengthy wait times or crowded waiting rooms. Same-day care is especially helpful during school terms, holidays, or before travel.
Choosing a Private GP Clinic in London
CQC Ratings & Paediatric Experience
Always check for CQC registration and choose clinics with GPs experienced in paediatrics or child development.
Transparent Pricing & What’s Included
Fees vary depending on what’s included. A typical private children’s health check in London ranges from £120 to £250, depending on consultation length, testing, and vaccinations.
Convenience Matters
Central or local London locations with weekend appointments, easy parking, or same-day availability make all the difference for busy families.
FAQs About Children’s Health Checks
How often should my child have a health check?
Annually is recommended, though babies and toddlers may need more frequent reviews.
Can private GPs update my child’s NHS record?
Yes, with your consent, most clinics can share vaccination or clinical notes with your NHS GP.
Will I be referred if something’s wrong?
Absolutely. Private GPs can refer to NHS or private paediatricians, therapists, or hospitals as needed.
Conclusion
Children’s health checks are about more than tick-boxes—they’re a chance to nurture your child’s long-term wellbeing, track development, and catch concerns early in a supportive, professional setting.
If you’re looking for fast, trusted care without the wait, visit here for same day GP appointment in London and let our experienced GPs help your child thrive at every age and stage.
