School health services
When children feel well, they learn better. That is why we have community health nurses in schools.
Community health nurses work with families and school staff to support your child’s health, development and wellbeing.
Starting school is new and exciting for children and parents. There are lots of things you can do to help prepare your child for school.
You can help your child by:
- Talking positively about school
- Talking and listening to your child about how they are feeling
- Keeping a regular bedtime routine
- Reading books together most days
- Helping your child play and make friends
- Encouraging active play like running, climbing and playing outside
- Helping your child listen and follow simple instructions
These small things can help your child feel safe, happy and ready to learn when they start school.
More information can be found here: Top tips for a great start to school
Immunisation
Diseases that are preventable, such as measles or mumps, can be very serious for children and other members of our community.
At school, children are in close contact with many others and diseases can spread quickly between children who are not fully vaccinated.
You can protect your child and our community by making sure they are fully vaccinated. Visit a doctor, local community health clinic or Aboriginal medical service for vaccinations.
For more information and to find an immunisation provider near you, visit the Department of Health's Childhood Immunisation webpage.
The community health nurse can help with:
- Health checks for vision, hearing, growth and development
- Support for parents about health and parenting
- Care plans for children with health needs while they are at school
- Referrals to other health services if needed
- A friendly place to ask questions about your child’s health
School Entry Health Assessment
Every child is offered health assessments as they start school.
With your permission, the nurse will check your child’s:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Growth
- General development
You’ll get a summary of the check. If anything needs follow-up, the nurse will contact you.
Go to School Entry Health Assessment for a video and more.
Worried about your child’s health?
You can ask the nurse to do a health check at any time.
Useful links
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In public secondary schools, a community health nurse is often based on site. Students can make an appointment to see the nurse or drop into the health centre when it is open at lunchtime or before school.
Community health nurses can help young people with health issues that matter to them. They can talk privately with the nurse and access information about:
- Healthy eating and nutrition
- Healthy weight and body image
- Coping with illness
- Feeling anxious, stressed or unhappy
- Loss and grief
- Relationships (with family, friends and boyfriends/girlfriends)
- Sexual health
- Smoking/vaping, alcohol and drug use
Community health nurses can refer young people to medical and other health services.
Services are free and confidential. Sometimes, information might need to be shared to protect and care for a young person.
Young people are always encouraged to talk with their family about important health issues.
School-based immunisation program
Immunisation nurses visit all high schools to provide Year 7 and 10 students with vaccinations with permission from parents. It is free and safe.
For more information go to School-based immunisation program.
Useful links
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Bedwetting is common, and it can be treated. A bedwetting program is available for children aged five and a half to 18 years who wet the bed more than twice a week.
- The program runs for six to eight weeks
- You and your child meet with the nurse every two weeks
- Your child learns how to stay dry at night
- Parents get support and tips to help at home
A GP referral is required for the program.
To contact the community health nurse, talk to the school office.