Children in care health check - what to expect guides for parents, carers, children and young people

What to expect at a health check

The first health check is also called an initial health assessment. This will happen with a children's doctor in a clinic setting.

An annual health check is also called a review health assessment and completed by a nurse. Children and young people can choose where they have their annual health check e.g. where they  live or at school.

Having a health check every year is important to make sure children and young people are healthy. The doctor or nurse may listen to the heart and look at eyes, ears and skin.

Who will be there?

The child or young person, carer, social worker and a friendly and helpful doctor or nurse.

What happens at the health check 

The doctor or nurse may discuss the following areas:   

• Body changes and relationships
  • Changes that will happen to the body as you grow up.
  • How to stay safe in relationships.
  • Services that can offer support and where to find them.
• Smoking, drugs and alcohol
  • How they can damage the body and services that can help children and young people stay safe.
• Staying safe
  • When using the internet.
  • When meeting friends away from the home environment.
  • On the roads, and when out in towns and cities.
• Emotional health
  • Talking about thoughts and feelings, and how to cope with these.
  • Any worries that may need to be discussed.
  • Services that can offer support.

Children and young people will be asked to have their height and weight measured. Advice will also be offered about healthy eating, diet and exercise.

Will another health check be required in the future?

Yes, a review health check is completed at least once a year. For children under the age of five this will be twice a year. This review is usually carried out by a health visitor, school nurse or children in care nurse.

What happens after the health check?

The health summary and plan will be shared with the young person, carer and social worker. The child and young persons GP will also receive a copy which will be added to health records, so health professionals involved in their care are aware of their health needs and any actions they need to undertake to support individual children and young people.

Download the 'what to expect' guides

Below are a selection of guides for children, young people, parents and carers on what to expect at their health check, including an easy-read version. These have been produced with young people to provide information on what to expect when attending a health check.