PREPARING for back-to-school involves getting a medical check-up for your child, which is part of the requirements for entry to a new institution. This check-up will gauge the child’s readiness for school activities and sports and makes the school aware of any underlying illnesses or issues, like structural deformities that may hinder physical activity.

It’s important to get that check done, and done well, even if your child has been seeing a paediatrician, because the approved Ministry of Health School Health Programme forms include some tests and checks that may not be part of your regular paediatrician visit.

Preparatory school nurse Stephanie Elliott explains some of what you can expect your child to have done on the school medical.

A parent checklist

This will have contact information for parents/guardians as well as contact for an emergency appointee, should the school be unable to reach the parent.

Medical history

This section, to be completed by a doctor or nurse practitioner, will include a report on whether the child has had illnesses, like asthma, seizures, sickle cell, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), allergies, or visual or hearing disorders, as well as surgery or has been admitted to hospital. This does not just take into account a medical history but an emotional history as well, and asks about depression, learning disability, anxiety, behavioural disorders, and any medication the child may be taking. It also asks whether the child has experienced any recent stressful event, like the death of a family member, has difficulty making friends, or adjusting to a new environment or has a history of hurting and fighting others.

Family history

This section assesses issues like diabetes, hypertension, mental illness, sickle cell, or heart disease in close family members, and which may impact the child.

Medical examination

This detailed physical examination will report on the student’s vitals, including weight and height, body mass index (BMI), general appearance, skin, eyes, hair/scalp, ears, and nutritional status. The doctor will be required to do a thorough examination of the above areas, examine the bones and joints, do a urinalysis, examine the nose and throat, and examine the abdomen for abnormalities.

Immunisation history

The doctor will indicate all the vaccines received by checking the child’s Child Health and Development Passport and will indicate the need for outstanding doses.

Assessment

At the end of the report the doctor will make a referral for follow-up for immediate or future care, recommendations, and whether the child is fit to engage in physical activity, and is overall fit for school. The form is complete with an authorisation from the parent giving the school permission to take the child to the school’s physician in the event of an emergency on campus as well as contact details for the family’s personal physician.

“For many students this would be the only full check-up they do for the school year, and that’s why it’s important to do a thorough series of tests,” Elliott said. “For many children, this is the time when illnesses and issues are identified and recommendations made for treatment, especially those who do not see their paediatricians regularly.”