Department of Health: P1 Health Programmes

P1 Screening - Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech-Language Therapy

Every year, children entering P1 in a Government primary school in September are screened for speech-language development and sensory-motor skill development. The screening provides parents with an idea of the skill strengths of their children and areas where additional focus would help with development.

The screening looks at a child’s ability to listen, speak, think, learn, play, walk and run and checks for motor, speech and language skills necessary to learn to read and write.

Screenings last from 20 to 60 minutes. In the event that further assessment is required, an additional appointment will be scheduled.

Checking in with the children before they start school allows health professionals the chance to assess the child’s abilities and ensure he or she has age appropriate skills for school. If concerns are raised during the screening, then a follow-up appointment will be made and free intervention services may be provided by Department of Health therapists if a need is identified.

This year, screenings are tentatively scheduled for July 1st - 12th, 2024. The venue will be announced at a later date.

How to schedule a screening:

Department of Health therapists will be at P1 Parent orientation meetings or
The therapists will contact parents to arrange an appointment
Contact P1screening@gov.bm

Department of Health: P1 School Nurse Assessments

School nurses visit children in both public and private schools throughout the island to educate and promote healthy lifestyles. One of the biggest tasks is targeted around 5 year olds through the P1 screening and school health assessment. The information from the screenings helps to guide public health planning and policy.

The 5-Year-Old Health Screenings:

School nurse screenings include assessment of height, weight, vision, hearing, and blood pressure. Conducted in both public and private schools, these assessments create a baseline understanding of the health status of young individuals as well as enabling targeted interventions and policies to address community needs throughout the lifespan. All screenings take place in a safe and familiar environment- the child’s school. This setting not only promotes accessibility but also minimizes disruption from family schedules.

The 5-Year-Old School Health Assessment:

The next step in this process is the 5-year-old School Health Assessment. With the consent of parents or guardians, the school nurse, in collaboration with a doctor, conducts a holistic assessment of the child's development and well-being. Parents are encouraged to attend these assessments. This evaluation includes fine and gross motor skills, physical assessment, social well-being, vaccination status, and provides an opportunity for parents to ask questions. It's essential to note that these school health assessments do not replace the annual physical conducted by a child's healthcare provider. Instead, they complement these visits, providing an additional layer of evaluation focused on the child's school environment and overall well-being.

A consent form for the School Health Assessment will be sent home with your child. Your child’s school nurse will contact you prior to the School Health Assessment to arrange an appointment time at the school.

RESOURCES:

Milestone Moments Checklist (cdc.gov)

246401_ironrichpyramid_flyer_ms_v02.pdf (redcross.org)

Parents (ashasexualhealth.org)