Health information for parents and carers with children starting school

Health information for parents and carers with children starting school

Download printable PDF if the 'Health information for parents and carers with children starting school' brochure

Your child is starting school, so now’s a good time to think about your child’s health. 
Children learn better when they are healthy, safe and happy

School health services

If you have any concerns about your child’s health, you can contact the nurse through your school office.

Other people who may be able to help are:

• your child’s teacher
• the school psychologist
• your doctor
• the Child Development Service

School Entry Health Assessment

When your child starts school, you will be asked to complete and return a health assessment form.

With your consent, the school health nurse will check your child’s vision, hearing, growth and general development.

You will receive a summary of the results. The nurse will contact you if they find any possible concerns.

Healthy lifestyle

• Encourage children to keep physically active, choose healthy food, and get enough sleep. 
• Eat dinner as a family to encourage good communication and connection. 
• Your child should have a dental health check every year. Contact the school dental health service or a private dentist.

Colour blindness

Colour blindness (external link) is when you don’t see some colours the way that other people see them.

Your school may give your child information about colour blindness in Pre-primary . 

Head lice

It is important to regularly check your child’s hair for head lice. Find out more about head lice and how to treat them. 

Immunisations

Your child’s next immunisations are due when they turn 4. 

Contact your child or school health nurse to find out where to get immunisations or visit Immunisation.

Your school needs a current copy of your child’s Immunisation History Statement. You can get this from the Department of Health or by phoning the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) on 1800 653 809.

If your child was born or immunised overseas, the immunisation provider will need to enter their immunisation history onto the AIR.

Medical conditions

It is important you tell the school if your child has a medical condition.

You need to complete a form to provide the school with information about your child’s medical needs, and what to do in an emergency.

Find out more at education.wa.edu.au/student-health-care

Parenting support

The Triple P Positive Parenting Program offers free courses that support parents and carers of 3 to 8 year olds to raise happy, confident children.

Toileting

Children are expected to be toilet trained and dry during the day when they start school. 

However, we understand that children occasionally have ‘accidents’ when stressed, tired or too busy to go to the toilet.

Social and emotional health

Talking to your child about their feelings is the most important way to help their social and emotional health. Find out more at raisingchildren.net.au 

Download printable PDF if the 'Health information for parents and carers with children starting school' brochure

© State of Western Australia, Child and Adolescent Health Service
Produced by: Child and Adolescent Community Health  Reference: CAH-004146