The medical examination of children is undertaken during each child’s school life, normally in the first year of primary schooling, and then at ages 10/11 years and 13/14 years, by staff of Lanarkshire Health Board, and parents may refer their child at other times to the Clinical Medical Officer for examination or advice. Dental inspections are also carried out on a routine basis in Primary School, and parents are offered any necessary treatment for their children, although they may choose to go instead to the family dentist; Secondary school pupils receive examination and treatment at the local community dental clinic on request.

There is no longer a Medical Auxiliary on the staff of the school, and pupils who feel ill during the day are initially dealt with by a member of the Office staff. Although pupils beyond the age of 16 can give their consent for tests, operations etc. in most cases, it is nevertheless essential that the school has on its own records a note of where to contact a parent or guardian in an emergency. The school would be grateful if parents would inform Pupil Support staff of any individual medical problems or requirements which might affect the pupil’s performance in school. Such things as poor hearing, poor eyesight, epilepsy, the need for a special diet due to diabetes or kidney complaints come into this category.

Parents can be assured that such information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and is only sought in a child’s best interests