' The school nursing service would wish to inform schools

and parents that as from September 2004 the screening programme of vision,

hearing and growth will be carried out on Year 1 children and no longer with

reception children. School nursing teams feel this change will be of benefit

as the programme will be completed in one academic year. The increased

maturity of the children will make the testing more reliable and reduce the

need for so many repeated hearing and vision tests. School staff and parents

are welcome to refer children of any age to the service for hearing and

growth checks using the agreed consultation forms available in school.

Vision tests are available up to the age of 7years. After this age, where

there are concerns, it is recommended that parents take their child to an

optician.'

Many thanks Jenny Atterwell School Health Advisor