About the HSE’s school health programme The HSE’s National Healthy Childhood Programme is Ireland’s universal programme of clinical care for all children. The service is free to all children in Ireland. The programme helps to: • create the best outcomes for children • build the foundations for health over their lifetime We offer routine health interventions to children. This aims to help children to stay well and to identify those who may need early intervention or other support. A core component of this service is the school health programme in primary and post primary schools. What it includes The school health programme includes: • eyesight and hearing screening • vaccines • school dental programme When it happens Screening and vaccines are usually offered in junior infants. (In Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, the vaccines are given by your GP). Additional vaccines are also offered in first year of post-primary school. The school dental programme currently offers dental check-ups to children in certain classes in primary school. How it works A HSE school health team will contact your child’s school to arrange a visit. Information needed By law, schools will be asked to share the following information with the HSE: • your child’s name, address, date of birth and sex • mother’s birth surname • contact details for parent/guardian (including name, phone number and email address) • the child’s personal public service (PPS) number, if any • the school’s name and roll number This information allows school public health nurses to plan their visit to the school. They can also follow up with families who do not return consent forms, providing additional support and information to make sure children do not miss out. This helps to make sure the programme reaches as many children as possible. Information and consent forms The school health team will provide information about screening and vaccine visits. They will give a consent form before any visits. Your child will usually carry these home in their school bag. When you get the documents: 1. read the information 2. complete the consent form – these will usually ask if you do or do not consent 3. send the consent form back to the school – please return regardless of consent option chosen The school team will check the consent forms. They will contact you if they have any questions. We strongly recommend all children avail of the services provided by the school health programme. Parents and guardians have the choice to consent or not to consent to these services. More information For more information about the school health programme, click here.
