Child health surveillance has as its main aims the early detection of defects and the positive promotion of health. A Joint Working Party on Child Health Surveillance, composed of representatives from the British Paediatric Association, the Health Visitors' Association, the General Medical Service Committee of the BMA, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of General Practitioners, set out to determine what procedures should be included in the programme of surveillance. Their conclusions, which are published here in the form of a report, are based both on a detailed study of an extensive literature and on consultations with experts in various fields. A programme of child surveillance is proposed which can detect developmental problems and defects in the most efficient way, while at the same time placing increased emphasis on the role of such activities as accident prevention, health education and developmental guidance. Throughout the report, areas of uncertainty are highlighted and suggestions for further research are offered. This report should be of benefit to all those with a responsibility for the promotion of child health in the community.