READ: Annual School Entry Screening for Students begins in June

3 June 2024 - The Public Health Department will commence its annual comprehensive School Entry Screening Programme in June 2024 for students entering government or private schools across the islands, including reception.

Each academic year, students enrolling in schools within the Cayman Islands for the first time must undergo a series of health assessments as part of the entry process. The school screening programme includes growth and development assessment, vision and hearing screening, dental assessment, and vaccination administration.

The screenings, which are free to all students, will take place at the district health centres from 3rd to 27th June 2024 for those entering schools in West Bay and the Eastern districts.

For all other students, health screenings will be at John Gray High School Medical Centre (nurse’s office) from 3rd July to 16th August 2024. Appointment times will be provided directly to parents.

This initiative aims to ensure the holistic health and well-being of young learners, supporting students in achieving their full potential academically, socially, and physically.

This comprehensive screening programme further underscores the Public Health Department's dedication to promoting the all-round development of the youth population by prioritising early detection and intervention.

Nurse Carvell Bailey-Able, School Health Coordinator, is reminding parents and guardians that they need to accompany children to the health screening and should also take along the child’s immunisation record.

“Vaccines will be offered to children whose immunisations are not up-to-date. A health screening certificate will then be issued, which is to be taken to the child’s school,” she explained.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to actively participate in the screening process and collaborate with school officials and healthcare professionals to ensure the optimal health and development of their children.

Parents may have their child’s health screenings done by a private doctor; however, the doctor must complete the School Health Screening Forms provided by the Public Health Department.

The completed forms should be submitted at the John Gray High School Medical Centre (nurse’s office) between 3rd July and 16th August, from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Outside of these dates, the forms can be taken to the Public Health Clinic at the Smith Road Medical Centre.

Once the record has been received, a health screening certificate will be issued, which must then be taken to the school the child will enter.

In Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, appointments for school entry screenings can be made by contacting Public Health Nurse Kedine Hyde at Aston Rutty Medical Wing at 948-2243/244-7643.

Detailed information sheets for parents and guardians are available at the schools.

For more information, please contact Nurse Carvell Bailey-Able at 244-2735 and 244-2648.

For more information on children's immunisation, visit https://www.hsa.ky/public-health/child-immunisation