Dingley Child Development Centre

The Dingley Child Development Centre brings together a team of specialists who assess and treat children and young people who need help to overcome a developmental issue or a complex illness.

Services Provided

• Physiotherapy
• Newborn hearing services
• Occupational therapy
• Speech and Language therapy
• Paediatric Psychology
• Wheelchair services
• Dermatology
• Orthotics
• Genetics
• Community midwifery
• BCG vaccines
• Continence
• Specialist consultant clinics (including neuro disability and epilepsy)

Getting Here

The Centre is based at Erlegh House, Earley Gate, Whiteknights Road, University of Reading Campus, Reading RG6 6BZ.

There is free parking outside the Dingley Child Development Centre including a number of disabled spaces.

Covid notice

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. You will be welcomed by one of our play leaders or Healthcare assistants (HCAs) who will take your temperatures and record your child’s height and weight. To help maintain social distancing and keep everyone safe we would ask that only one parent or carer attends the appointment with your child.

We can arrange a Facetime call if an additional parent or carer would like to participate in any discussion regarding your child’s development.

If you require the assistance of an interpreter (foreign language and BSL signers), they will attend the appointment via a video link. Please call and arrange any of these services, if required, at least 48 hours prior to the appointment.

When you come for your appointment, please remember to wear a Facemask or covering. The centre can help provide a mask if you don’t have one. As per the government guidance, children aged 11 and under or have a learning or respiratory health condition are not required to wear a mask/face covering.

Please don't hesitate to call ahead of your appointment if you require any further assistance or advice.

What to expect on arrival

Please ring the doorbell and a member of staff will let you in.

As above, you will be welcomed by one of our play leaders or Healthcare assistants who will take your temperatures and record your child’s height and weight.

To ensure patients, visitors and staff are kept safe at all times the reception area is screened and the receptionists will be wearing masks. The HCAs and Play leaders will be in uniform and wearing an apron, mask and either a visor or goggles and gloves. The consultants will also be wearing their scrubs, apron, mask and either a visor or goggles and gloves.

What do I need to bring?

• If your child is under five years old, bring their red book with you.
• Baby feeds, nappies and other essentials.
• Snacks or drinks, especially if your child has a special diet.
• Any medication your child is taking.
• Your child's favourite toy, book or comforter.

Further information

Play team
On your child's visit you may meet a member of the Play Team. Our play leaders help your child during their time in hospital through play and distraction. This can be very helpful for reducing anxiety, and soothing when an uncomfortable test may be needed.

Delays
Departments can be very busy, and if this is the case, appointment times may run late. Please speak to a member of staff who will be able to keep you up to date with any delays.

Sometimes it may seem as though others are being called in before you, but this is likely due to due to the nature of other visits.

Facilities

On-Site

• Disabled toilets and changing areas with a hoist if required.
• Children’s play area (currently closed due to COVID restrictions)

Facilities nearby

Café/refreshments

• The One café can be found in the Enterprise Building - next door to the Dingley Child development centre.
• There are additional facilities and walks on the University campus.
• Tesco and Coop in the central area of the campus.
  Parking.