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The B4 School Check is a nationwide programme supported by the
and offers a health and development check to groups of children turning four.
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The checks are an important public health initiative and aim to identify children who will benefit from referral to services and additional assistance before starting school.
The purpose of the check is to promote healthy development and to help identify any health, behavioural or developmental concerns that could affect the child’s ability to learn at school. The check also ensures that if needed, appropriate and timely referrals to services are made. The B4 School Check replaces the School New Entrant Check which is to be phased out over the next year.
The service is free for 4 year olds. You will be sent an invitation from your local B4School Check provider for you and your child to attend a check.
The checks are provided by registered nurses such as public health nurses, practice nurses and Well Child/Tamariki Ora providers supported by Vision-Hearing technicians with you present as you know your child best. The settings for delivery of the checks range from general practices, early childhood education Centres and Kohanga reo, community halls and marae, mobile clinics and home visits. Checks take about 45-60 minutes. If you or the nurse think your child has a possible problem or difficulty, the nurse will discuss this with you and offer to refer you to other services that may help. The nurse can also help if your child has missed out on any immunisations.
To find out more about the B4 School Check you should talk to your family doctor or nurse, Well Child Tamariki Ora provider or public health nurse.
Visit the Ministry of Health’s website www.moh.govt.nz/b4schoolcheck or call the toll free 24 hour Health Advice Service Healthline – 0800 611 116