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The B4 School Check is a free health and development check for four-year-old children and is provided nationwide in New Zealand, as part of the Well Child Tamariki Ora Schedule of services.
The B4 School Check is a free check for four year olds and carried out by child health nurses and vision hearing technicians. Parents and caregivers are key participants in this check. The check is to promote health and wellbeing in preschool children and to identify behavioural, developmental or other health/social concerns that may adversely affect the child's ability to learn in the school environment.
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The Check takes up to an hour and can take place at a preschool, clinic, community centre, or other setting.
If any concerns are noted, action can usually be taken early and the nurse can refer the child to appropriate services before they start school. Referral could be to an optometrist, medical specialist, educational specialist, local doctor, nurse, the dental service, or providers who can help with social or emotional needs.
The assessment includes:
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child health questionnaire including oral health
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social / emotional /developmental screening
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hearing and vision screening
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health promotion and education
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where required, referrals to appropriate health, education or social services and follow up
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immunisation (if required) where possible.
If you have a 4 year old and would like more information please contact:
Southland - the Well Child Service on +64 3 214 5773 or text 0274 440 121.
Otago - Victoria Bryant on +64 3 476 9880.
You can also visit the Ministry of Health B4 School Check website pages for more information.
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