B4 School Check - Introduction

NZ Ministry of Health Web Page
Printed 11/25/2009 11:30:33 PM Back Print

Child Health in New Zealand
B4 School Check

www.moh.govt.nz/b4schoolcheck

The B4 School Check is a nationwide programme offering a free health and development check for four year olds. Delivery of the Check started in four DHBs (Waikato, Nelson Marlborough, MidCentral and Lakes) in June 2008. The remaining DHBs across the country started delivery of the B4 School Check from September 2008.

The B4 School Check aims to identify and address any health, behavioural, social, or developmental concerns which could affect a child's ability to get the most benefit from school, such as a hearing problem or communication difficulty. It is the eighth core contact of the Well Child Tamariki Ora Schedule of services, and replaces the New Entrant Check that was offered in some areas.

For more information, refer to the links below.

Or for more information on the delivery of the B4 School Check in your area, contact your DHB's Key Contacts

What people are saying about the B4 School Check
The B4 School Check was trialled in the Whanganui and Counties Manukau DHBs from August to November 2007. The trial services were evaluated by an independent organisation to help fine tune the B4 School Check for introduction around the country in 2008. Parents of children who received the B4 School Check were asked what they thought about the service, and here are some of the results:

Nearly all of the parents who participated (98%) indicated that they would recommend the programme to others.
92% reported high levels of satisfaction.
Most parents (86%) reported high levels of confidence in the programme.
99% of survey participants felt that their child’s check was completed in a culturally appropriate manner.

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Page last updated: 7 October 2008