Bexley 5 to 10
Welcome to the 5-10 section of the Bexley 0 to 19 Children’s Public Health Service website, providing information for parents and carers of children aged 5 to 11 about all aspects of your child’s health, development and wellbeing.
The Bexley 0 to 19 service supports parents and carers to give their babies, children and young people the best possible start in life. We will provide a series of 10 health checks starting with an antenatal contact, and you will be given advice and support about your child’s development and growth, healthy eating, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and immunisations.
We’ll support you to become confident in looking after the health and development needs of your child from when they are born to when they transition into adulthood. We will also provide support to children and young people as they grow and develop, offering information and advice as and when needed.
Health Visitors and School Nurses – what do they do?
Our Health Visitors will support you in getting your child ready for primary school. They will provide guidance on arranging pre-school immunisations and advice about healthy eating, toileting, hand washing, etc. At five years your child moves to the care of our School Nurses.
School Nurses are qualified Nurses or Midwives who have completed further training. Every school has a named School Nurse who provides advice to children about healthy living and supports them in their choices. They are approachable and non-judgemental and their aim is to enable children and young people to improve their health and wellbeing and reach their full potential.
Primary School
The School Nurse will complete the following checks, during which they will also review appropriate interventions for any physical, emotional or developmental problems that may have been missed or not addressed. Parental consent will always be obtained in advance.
Height and Weight Measurements
In Reception and Year 6, your child’s height and weight will be measured by the School Nurse in line with the National Child Measurement Programme to assess whether they are the most suitable weight for their height.
Find out more about the National Child Measurement Programme
Eyesight and Hearing Checks
When in Reception the Community Nursery Nurse will also check your child’s eyesight and hearing and inform you of the results, along with further information on who to contact, if appropriate.
Find out more about eye tests for children