School Health Services
What is School Health Service?
The school health service promotes healthy development and wellbeing, helping students reach their full potential. School health nurses provide the service in partnership with schools. The school health service is free and confidential. Students learn better when they are healthy, safe and happy.
Starting School
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. Try to relax and enjoy this time with your child. If you feel calm and show you are happy about your child starting school, they’ll feel happier too!
Starting School Resources
Primary School (Kindy – Year 6)
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, and the nurse will talk with you if any possible concerns are found.
The nurse can conduct an assessment at any time throughout primary school if you or your child’s teachers have any worries.
Nocturnal Enuresis
Nocturnal Enuresis is the medical term used to describe lack of bladder control at night in a person who has reached an age at which control is to be expected.
Bedwetting is a problem which causes stress for both children and parents. It can lead to loss of self-esteem and lack of confidence in the child. It is recommended to seek treatment rather than thinking ‘they will grow out of it’ – some never do!
Help should be sought 5 ½ years and upwards or first year at school if wetting persists.
How to refer: Children with a bedwetting problem can be referred to Enuresis (Bedwetting) Services or clinics by their local doctor on the preferred bedwetting referral form, this form can be accessed also through your local clinic. Your doctor will make sure there is no evidence of a disease causing the bedwetting.
Primary School Resources
Secondary School (Year 7 – Year 12)
School health services are an easy way for secondary students to access health care and health information for issues such as:
Healthy eating and nutrition, healthy weight and body image, coping with illness, feeling anxious, stressed or unhappy, mental health and wellbeing, loss and grief, relationships, sexual health, smoking, alcohol and drug use, other adolescent health concerns.
School health nurses can help young people to access medical and other health services if needed.
Young people are always encouraged and supported to talk to their parents or guardian about significant health issues.