School Health Service

Tameside and Glossop PCT, provide a School Health Service which comprises of Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dentists and Chiropodists.

Children who are happy and healthy achieve more at school. The aim of the School Health Service is to ensure that all children stay healthy and happy in order to benefit fully from their education. Health Education is provided to promote healthy lifestyles and is delivered directly by Health staff or by supporting Teachers to do so as part of the National Curriculum.

All children at school entry are offered a test of hearing and vision, a height and weight check and an interview with the School Nurse.

Parents will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about their child's health. The School Nurse will review these, along with the results of all pre-school checks and immunisations.

Health Visitors records will also be reviewed and any health or social problems identified. A decision will then be made as to whether the child requires a medical assessment with a Paediatrician. This will usually take place at the local clinic.

If a child is selected to have a medical, parents will be informed of this and given the opportunity to be present.

The School Health Service, is committed to working with children, their parents and teachers. The service offers a programme of health surveillance to identify any health problems early. Parents will normally be informed before any medical or dental inspections take place. School Nurses and other health staff, visit schools from time to time to perform routine health screening - such as vision and hearing tests. They also advise on health-related matters. Parents will, be informed if there is any concern about their child's health. The School health service can access help from other specialist if required.

In Tameside the School Health Team is based at the local Health Centre/Clinic. Each school has a 'named' Nurse who visits on a regular basis. The School Health Team is available to provide advice to parents on health-related matters and often serve as a link between home and School for children with additional needs.

Information and advice can be obtained on conditions such as asthma, bed wetting, constipation, soiling, eating problems, behavioural difficulties, bullying, drugs, alcohol and smoking, family changes, head lice, puberty and growing up and safety both at home and away.

The School health team can be contacted via the Head of School or at your local Health Centre/Clinic.