Health Screening for Primary School

Health Screening in Primary Schools

The school health team visits primary schools annually to conduct health screening of students. This will allow for early detection of health issues and encourage building of foundational healthy habits.

This year, we are excited to introduce Grow Well SG (GWSG),  a new national initiative to promote children's health in the digital age. GWSG focuses on helping kids eat, sleep, learn, and exercise well, aiming to establish healthy habits early for a better future. To support this, students will be given personalised lifestyle prescriptions, based on the Child Lifestyle Questionnaire and their interests, as part of their Health Plan. The initiative is currently rolled out for Primary 1 to Primary 3 students. 

Child's Medical Information

It is important that you provide your child's updated medical information prior to the school health visit. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used by HPB in the management of your child's health^.

^The information may be placed into a database known as the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System and the National Electronic Health Records (NEHR). The information may also be collated and used for national public health policy planning, ethically approved research, official reports and publications. Full confidentiality is ensured, i.e., your child's identity will not be revealed.

Health Conditions Screened in Primary School Students

Details on Immunisations

As part of the National Childhood Immunisation Programme, your child will be given the Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster in P5. 

Additionally, if they were noted to have missed any of the *compulsory vaccinations in childhood, they may be administered these during the annual school health visits as well.

Please note that *Diphtheria and Measles vaccinations are compulsory by law.

Details on Conditions Screened

Vision Screening

Good vision is essential for your child's learning and development. Early detection and correction of vision issues help ensure that your child's learning is not affected.

School children are screened for myopia (short-sightedness). Your child will be required to read off a chart, from a pre-determined distance to check his/her eyesight.

If your child requires further assessment of their vision, an appointment will be given for them to be reviewed by a qualified optometrist or optician in the community. Your child may also be referred to HPB’s Student Health Centre Refraction Clinic to be assessed by our optometrist. At the Refraction Clinic, the optometrist may instil eye drops to improve the accuracy of your child's eye examination.

Please refer to the Advisory on Vision Screening. This advisory provides information on signs and symptoms which may suggest that further assessment of your child/ward's vision may be required.

Screening for Squint

A squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes do not align in the same direction. While one eye looks straight ahead, the squinting eye may turn inward or outward. A squint can also be vertical, with one eye higher than the other. Squints may be constant or intermittent. 

It can lead to vision problems if left untreated. If a possible squint is detected during health screening, your child may be referred to the Student Health Centre for further assessment.

Hearing Screening

Hearing issues can affect learning. Early detection and treatment of hearing issues ensure that your child's learning will not be affected.

Your child will be asked to put on headphones and an undergo a hearing test with an audiometer. If they cannot hear all or some of the sounds, their ears may be examined and they may be referred for further assessment.

Please refer to the Advisory on the hearing test. The advisory lists signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for further assessment of your child's hearing.

Height and BMI Assessment

Your child's height and weight will be checked to assess their growth. Growth charts are used to compare their height and Body Mass Index(BMI) with those of other children of the same age.

BMI is calculated using this formula : [Weight (kg)/Height(m) x Height(m)]. After the BMI value is calculated, it is plotted on a BMI-for-age percentile chart. Separate charts are used for boys and girls. The percentile or percentile range shows the relative position of the child’s BMI among children of the same age and gender.

 

BMI Percentile	Weight Status (For Boys & Girls aged 6-18years old)
≥ 97th percentile	Severely overweight
90th to < 97th percentile	Overweight
5th to < 90th percentile	Acceptable weight
3rd to < 5th percentile	Underweight
< 3rd percentile	Severely underweight

Healthy Lifestyle Programme (Virtual Coaching) and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Screening

Primary 1, 3, and 5 students who are found to be overweight or severely overweight may be enrolled in a Healthy Lifestyle Programme (Virtual Coaching), where a Wellness Coach will provide personalised tips on nutrition and lifestyle habits. The sessions will offer practical advice tailored to your child’s needs along with access to digital resources designed to support lasting behavioural changes.

Primary 1 and 3 students who are severely overweight, as well as Primary 5 students who are overweight or severely overweight, will also be offered Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor (CVDRF) screening. The screening includes blood pressure measurements and/or relevant blood tests to detect conditions such as abnormal blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and/or blood sugar. If eligible, your child will be given a pamphlet with further instructions on visiting our partner laboratories for the blood tests. You are strongly encouraged to bring your child for these tests.

If required, a referral will be provided for your child for further assessment.

Lifestyle Prescription

As part of Grow Well SG, Lifestyle Prescriptions will be provided for all P1-P3 school-going children in 2025. Lifestyle Prescriptions provide personalised advice and actionable steps a child can take to build healthy habits from young for a better future. This approach focuses on four key lifestyle domains for children: physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and screen time. Advice will be given by healthcare professionals after discussion with the child, and will be based on parents’ responses to the Child Lifestyle Questionnaire and the child’s interests.

 

Spinal Screening for Curved Spine (Scoliosis)

Scoliosis is a condition in which the normally straight spine curves to form an 'S' or 'C' shape. It is a spinal deformity and should not be confused with poor posture.

This screening is for Primary 5 and 6 girls only, as scoliosis is more common in girls at this age.

Before screening for scoliosis commences, female students will be briefed on the importance and process of the check. Each female student will be examined by a female doctor or nurse within an enclosed cubicle to ensure privacy.

During the check-up, your child will be asked to face away from the female doctor or nurse before being asked to remove her top. Her back will be examined from behind while standing upright, and while bending forward allowing the doctor or nurse to screen for abnormal curvature of the spine (Forward Bending Test). If further assessment is required, your child will be referred to the Student Health Centre at the Health Promotion Board.

Please access this Scoliosis Information Pamphlet for more information on Curved Spine (Scoliosis)

 

Review of Health Conditions Where Applicable

Any specific conditions detected during previous school health visits will be reviewed as necessary during the subsequent visits.

Please note that the annual school health screening focuses on specific conditions only.

If you have any concerns about your child’s health, please bring them to see your family doctor.

Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your child a healthy start.

Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.

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