School readiness health check
A School Readiness Health Check for 3-and-a-half year-olds in Norfolk was introduced in September 2016, as part of the Government's 0-19 Healthy Child Programme. The programme will be delivered by Cambridge Community Services NHS Trust in partnership with Iceni Healthcare.
This new check is an opportunity to discuss your child's health and development and to raise any concerns you might have with a healthcare professional. The check takes places when your child is 3, so any needs can be identified early and you can get the right support for your child before they start school at age 4.
What does the school readiness health check involve?
Only GP practices who have signed up will deliver the review. You will be invited to attend the check with your child, as part of their appointment to receive immunisations.
The check is delivered by practice nurses. As well as weighing and measuring your child, they will ask a series of questions about your child's development. All children develop at different rates, but they aim to identify any areas of concern which require support. The areas covered by the review include:
- Speech and language
- Behaviour
- Toileting
- Hearing and vision
- Socialising
You will also be given health information about your child's transition into school and healthy eating.
What support is available if any needs or concerns are identified?
You will be given useful health information for further reference at home.
If any concerns about your child are identified, the practice nurse may make a referral to another health professional from the Healthy Child team to ensure your child is are able to access any additional support that is needed.
If any concerns with hearing, vision or speech and language are raised, you will be advised to complete a self-referral into the appropriate service. The practice nurse will give you all the information you need to make this self-referral.
Further information
If you want to find out more about the School Readiness Health Check and whether your GP practice offers it, please contact your doctors' surgery direct.
If you want to find out more about the 0-19 Healthy Child programme please contact your local Health Visitor (their details should be in the 'Red Book' that you child received at birth).