Waikato children challenged to do five things before turning five

Children at Junior Junction, Hamilton, sample the B4 School goodies – left to right: Ray Kong Sat, Nikau Scouller, Charlotte Smith, Kaea Symes and Lily Toms.

Waikato children celebrating their fourth birthday can now look forward to five exciting and very important activities to complete before starting school, as part of Waikato Primary Health’s free B4 School Health Check.

Erica Amon, operations manager for Waikato Primary Health, says every child turning four will be sent a Very Important Birthday Card as well as their Very Important Book.

“When the child receives My Very Important Book they begin the challenge, along with the support of their care­giver, to complete five tasks before they turn five.

“The five tasks are having their eyes and ears checked, getting their own library card, having their B4 School Health Check, enrolling with the School Dental Service and visiting their new school to meet their teacher.

“At each location visited, the child is given stickers to place in the book to show they’ve reached these milestones.

“By the time they get to school, we envisage all children living in the Waikato will have benefited from learning to read and how important healthy living is. We encourage all parents to become involved to ensure no child is left behind,” says Ms Amon.

Primary Health and well child providers across the region are being trained and resourced to deliver the B4 School check.

Pinnacle director of Nursing, Hilary Graham-Smith, says the books were designed by project manager Emma Pullar, formerly a school teacher, which is reflected in the thought provoking questions, fun pictures and activities.

“Word is spreading quickly about the birthday card, book and health check, which is where children receive their first lunchbox. These resources are unique to the Waikato, and being used by all B4 School providers.

“Kids can’t wait to get started,” says Ms Graham-Smith.

The brightly coloured ‘Click Clack’ lunchbox is packed with a tooth brush, toothpaste, drink bottle and other resources to teach them how to be healthy and ready for learning at school.

According to Ms Graham-Smith the brochures included in the lunchbox provide information for both the caregiver and the child. For example, there are healthy food ideas for packing lunch and information on what to expect from preschool behaviour.

“My Very Important Book can become a precious memoir for families – something they can look back on in years to come,” says Ms Graham-Smith.

She says as a result of the collaboration between local libraries and education and health, all Waikato communities are benefiting from the B4 School Health Check.

“Reading and writing are inextricably linked with health. In the Waikato region we are pleased that our libraries are participating. Each library will decide what experience they’ll provide for children, and when a child visits the library they’ll receive a sticker for their own My Very Important Book,” says Ms Graham-Smith.

The B4 School Health Check is a nationwide programme promoted by the ministry of health. Its main aim is to identify and address any health, behavioural, social, or developmental concerns which could affect a child’s ability to get the most benefit from school, such as a hearing problem or communication difficulty.

The health check consists of a child health questionnaire including oral health, social/emotional/developmental screening, hearing and vision screening, health promotion and education. Where required, referrals to appropriate health, education or social services with follow up, and optional immunisation.