Sonder to deliver free child health and development checks in regional South Australia
Sonder is proud to partner with the South Australian Government to offer free child health and development checks for families living in the Yorke Peninsula and Gawler / Two Wells regions, supporting children aged 5 months to 5 years to get the best possible start in life.
A child’s early years are a time of rapid growth and development, laying the foundations for lifelong health, learning and wellbeing. Child health and development checks provide an important opportunity to monitor a child’s development, celebrate milestones, and identify any concerns early – when support can make the greatest difference.
Through the program, Sonder’s registered nurses will offer free checks that focus on children’s physical health and development, including communication, cognition and behaviour. Appointments are typically one-hour and are designed to be supportive and family-centred, creating space for parents and caregivers to ask questions, seek reassurance and receive guidance tailored to their child’s age and needs.
“Early childhood is a critical window for development, and families benefit from having time and a safe space to talk things through with a trusted health professional,” Sonder CEO, Sageran Naidoo said.
“These checks are about supporting families, building confidence, and making sure children get the right support at the right time, if it’s needed.”
During a check, registered nurses will talk with families about everyday routines, growth, feeding, sleep, hearing and vision. They will provide age-appropriate developmental screening, review immunisation status, and discuss family wellbeing, where helpful. If follow-up support is recommended, families will be connected with local services and supports.
In South Australia, child health and development checks are recommended at seven key milestone ages from birth to 5 years. Sonder will deliver checks from 5 months onwards, helping ensure families who may have missed earlier checks – or need another opportunity to connect – can still access timely support. Families can book at any stage between 5 months and 5 years.
Sonder’s delivery of this program is underpinned by a strong commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally safe care. The organisation welcomes Aboriginal children and families, culturally and linguistically diverse families, families living in regional and remote areas, and all family structures, including parents, grandparents and other caregivers.
“Our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve,” Sageran said.
“Our registered nurses have specialist training in child health and development, including additional training to support culturally appropriate assessments for Aboriginal babies and children. We also work closely with trusted community partners to ensure care is respectful, accessible and well connected.”
How to book
Child health and development checks offered through Sonder are free, voluntary, and available without a referral. Families living in the Yorke Peninsula or Gawler / Two Wells regions with children aged 5 months to 5 years are encouraged to book an appointment or make an enquiry.
Checks will be available from 1 March 2026. To book, families can complete the enquiry form on our Child Health and Development Checks webpage to arrange an appointment.
For more information, call (08) 8209 0700, or email childhealthchecks@sonder.net.au.
About the Office for Early Childhood Development and Flying Start reforms
The South Australian Government is investing $1.9 billion into improving outcomes in early childhood, supporting every South Australian child to have the best start in life. This is the most significant investment in early childhood in a generation.
For the latest updates on early childhood services, visit the Office for Early Childhood Development website.
This initiative is funded by the Office for Early Childhood Development as part of the Flying Start reforms.