Toddlers at Hitchin clinics and GP surgeries will be part of a pilot scheme to evaluate services provided by health visitors, the Department of Health announced today.

The town along with Watford will be the focus of a survey by Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust to look at how children’s health provision can be improved and expanded.

The scheme lasting up to three months will be rolled out across the county if it is a success.

Cath Slater, assistant director of universal children’s services at the trust, said the government has committed to increasing the number of health visitors in the NHS and over 30 are being trained in Herts.

“Ministers are also keen to ensure that health visiting services are gauged through the eyes of parents, carers, GPs and other NHS staff,” she said.

“With this in mind our pilot aims to review the development of local children up to two-and-a-half years, and to ensure that the review is effective in giving parents the advice and support they need to ensure their children have all the skills and confidence to thrive.”