Circular details

School Health Services in Western Australia

This policy set guide the practice of Community Health staff employed by the Department of Health WA, when delivering services to schools, which include health promotion, early detection and specialist health expertise.

School Health Services aim to provide a flexible and adaptable service, which responds to the health needs of children and young people in schools. School Health Services encompass a range of programs under the broad service delivery areas of health promotion, early detection and specialist health expertise. In each area, services are delivered in collaboration with local school staff.

School health service staff may support schools with a range of health promotion strategies, which are identified in Local Service Agreements or school level plans. A health promoting school involves the whole school community. Health education and health promotion strategies are used to reach all students including those who may already be showing signs of ill-health, others who may be at risk, and also students who have no apparent risk factors.

 Early detection programs aim to improve the health outcomes of those individuals identified as having problems or difficulties, by enabling early referral to appropriate services and supports.

 Standard screening programs are offered to all children at, or soon after, school entry. Other early detection programs are negotiated to suit local needs.

 Specialist health expertise is provided by staff who have clinical knowledge and skills in relation to health and development of children and adolescents.

Professor Bryant Stokes
A/DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH