When rushing around to prepare for school, don't forget about the all-important health check. Experts recommend that annual health checks should ideally be done towards the beginning September so that if there is even the slightest problem, this can be tackled during the last vacation weeks.

 

1. Is your child's immunisation card up-to-date?

Checking the immunisation records of each pupil is a requirement at many schools, especially pupils starting primary school. Every child is issued with a medical record booklet which is handed to the parents in hospital the day the mother is discharged with her newborn. This booklet must always be kept handy and should be taken to the child's every medical appointment.

 

2. Do you know where you put your child's medical certificates record card?

All school children were issued with a medical certificates record card during the 2014 / 2015 scholastic year.  This card must be signed by your doctor whenever the child is sick and absent from school. Keep the card handy as it has to be used year after year. 

3. Can your child see clearly?

Children sometimes develop problems with seeing clearly in class. They usually notice that they are unable to read the whiteboard at the front of the class, or they have difficulty reading their books. Some do not immediately realise their sight is problematic and they end up having frequent headaches and copying things down incorrectly in their exercise books. Have your child's eyes checked annually since not all children are able to tell their parents they can't see clearly. Apart from prescribing spectacles if necessary, an eye doctor can treat lazy eyes to avoid future problems.

 

4. Is your child's school up-to-date with his or her medical records?

At the start of the scholastic year, every school sends parents several forms to fill in. Take the time to fill these in carefully as they include emergency contact numbers and parents' consent for health check-ups which might be done at school during the scholastic year. Schools must also be informed of any allergies your child might have and any medication that s/he must take regularly.  Schools have a duty and a right to know about your child's health so that the child is as safe as possible while in their care.

 

5. Does your child need learning support?

Schools offer assistance to pupils who have learning difficulties. A Learning Support Assistant is assigned to a child after assessment and approval of a report. The process of assigning a learning support assistant takes time. Meanwhile, parents should work hand in hand with the school so that the scholastic experience is as smooth as possible for the child.

6. Have you bought suitable school shoes and a school bag?

School policies on suitable footwear are developed in consultation with experts so they should be followed in your child's best interests. Young children should wear shoes without laces to avoid tripping them up. Be sure that they fit properly and are not too tight. Don't buy shoes a size too big to allow for growth. Children's feet need properly fitting shoes. When choosing a school bag, follow the school's instructions. School bags must have wide straps and a padded back.  Throughout the year, check the weight of your child's bag.  It must never be more than 20% of your child's weight.

 

7. Have you set your school time routine?

Once school starts, the whole family needs to settle down immediately to a proper routine. It is important that the children start getting used to this routine at least two weeks before school starts. Going to bed early and waking up to a healthy breakfast is an easier routine during school time if it's established weeks before the holidays end. If you notice your children are anxious about the new scholastic year, speak to them calmly and reassure them as much as possible that you will support them throughout. ›‹