Above and beyond new uniforms, pencil cases and back packs, is your child ready for the new school year in terms of their health?
Immunisations
I read an article recently that suggests an estimated one in seven 5 year olds are not immunised against MMR. Read full article
To check that your child has received all their vaccines on schedule, visit the NHS website and refer to your child’s Red Book. If in any doubt, contact your GP practice.
It’s never too late for a child to be immunised. Public Health England’s catch-up call for primary school starters, follows the issue of a new GP contract from NHS England and Improvement which also encourages 10 and 11 year olds to be caught up with any missing MMR vaccinations prior to them reaching secondary school age.
Eye Health
You may have seen that we went for an eye check recently – my son’s first one!
I was so glad that we did as he is long-sighted and needed a prescription! So we came away with some glasses and the confidence that he will be going in to year one ready.
We went to an independent opticians Edwards and Walker, who are in Doncaster Town Centre and our lenses were free. We did pay a little extra for Batman frames, of course, however we could have chosen from a lovely selection of free frames. Edwards and Walker also do a spare pair free, which is the same offer as some of the larger opticians.
Pretty did a helpful video for other parents, following our visit. Watch the vlog
Dental Health
According to Public Health, lots of children in Doncaster show signs of tooth decay. In fact roughly 1/3 of all of our children.
Not all parents/carers are aware of flouride varnish, which is one way we can help to protect our children’s teeth. Flouride varnish can be applied to both baby teeth and adult teeth by a dentist. The process involves painting a varnish containing high levels of flouride onto the surface of the tooth every six months, to prevent decay. It works by strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. 
From the age of three, children should be offered flouride varnish treatment at least twice a year. Flouride varnish should be offered two or more times a year for children of all ages with tooth decay or those at high risk of developing it.
Be sure to ask your dentist about flouride varnish. Find an NHS Dentist
