Free health checks for 450 new students at school

The 450 new students at Christchurch high school Linwood College are to have rigorous health checks as part of a plan to stop health problems affecting their learning.

From next week, Year 8 and 9 students at the school will have their ears, eyes, throat and teeth checked. Their fitness and general physical and mental health will also be tested, The Press reported today.

The study aims to show that many children have significant health problems, preventing them achieving well at school.

Teacher Alan Parris said the study was the largest of its type in this country on this age group.

Testing had shown health problems could hinder effective learning, Mr Parris said.

"Of all the barriers to success, such as low income or family problems, the medical one is the easiest to fix," he said.

The college has commissioned an independent researcher, the Collaborative for Research and Training in Youth Health, to collect the evidence. The research was independently funded by several trusts, and information would be used to lobby Canterbury District Health Board and the Ministry of Education for earlier intervention for young children.

Any child with health problems would be offered free treatment.

The study will be done next week and be part of an overall college Health Expo.

- NZPA