Before school check: Concerns test offered to NZ's four-year-olds is not detailed enough

November 16, 2018

Auckland DHB's are concerned questionnaires are not detailed enough

Auckland health authorities are concerned that one of New Zealand’s biggest health initiatives, the Before School Check, is not picking up problems and the questionnaires are to blame.

The test is offered to four-year-olds and is the last of eight tests children are entitled to to send them off to school in the best of health.

However, health authorities have said that the test is not detailed enough, relies heavily on parental perception and that if the parent does not notice any difficulties for the child, those difficulties are likely to be missed.

“Some of the Auckland DHB’s have had some concerns in some communities and that some of the Questionnaires that are being used are not necessarily picking up the developmental difficulties that the children are having, says Ministry of Health’s chief advisor of health, Dr Pat Tuohy.

Breakfast’s Jack Tame speaks to Dr Tuohy to explore the issue. 

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