Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in residential special schools and colleges across England are to be offered free NHS eyesight, hearing and
Anne Worrall-Davies, NHS England’s Children and Young People’s Learning Disability and Autism and SEND Clinical Lead, added: “We are delighted that we will soon be able to offer these vitally important checks to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in order to reduce health inequalities, identify unmet needs and provide any necessary treatment and follow-up support.
“The free NHS checks will ensure children and young people in residential special schools are able to lead happier, healthier lives with minimal disruption to their education and routine.”
Eyesight checks will be carried out annually for children and young people in all day or residential special education needs schools.
At least one annual face to face dental check as a minimum will be offered to children and young people in residential special schools and colleges, with termly in person oral health advice and prevention visits to check for any concerns and undertake activities such as applying fluoride varnish or demonstrating effective toothbrushing.
Hearing checks will be carried out at school entry and then at transition points, such as when a child moves from primary to secondary school, or secondary school to sixth form college.
If any ear health or hearing issues or concerns are identified then the child or young person will be referred to their GP or local audiology team as appropriate.
Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said: “I am pleased we will be able to support vital sensory checks for all pupils in special educational settings, in a comfortable and known environment for them.
“These checks will enable health issues in around 18,000 children and young people to be identified more promptly – tackling health inequalities by giving them access to the right high-quality care and support faster.”
