Before School Check Programme

The Before School Check is the eighth and final check in the national Well Child / Tamariki Ora health programme. The programme aims to identify any health concern that may affect a child’s ability to learn in the school environment.  In Canterbury most Before School Checks are delivered in General Practice.

All four year old children are eligible to have a Before School Check. This is a free service. The checks are provided by registered nurses who have completed the Before School Check training programme. A free general practice consultation is offered for any child identified as requiring a follow up consultation as a result of the check.

The check is only completed with parental participation and consent.

The check includes:

• advice and support for parents about child health and development
• a child health questionnaire
• a hearing and vision screen
• an oral health screen
• socialisation and development monitoring
• height and weight measurements, and
• referrals to specialist services if the child appears to have problems that require further support or investigation, for example, speech and/or language development.

Rural Canterbury PHO funds some General Practice teams to provide the check. The PHO also provides the service for a number of their general practices and a rural outreach service.

For further information contact Janetta Skiba, 0800-800-743 ext 206

Further information is also available on the Ministry of Health website at

http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-services/well-child-tamariki-ora/about-b4-school-check