NHS to Provide Free Sensory Checks in England's Special Schools
Starting next year, students with disabilities in residential schools will receive free hearing, dental, and eyesight checks on-site.
- Approximately 18,000 students with special educational needs in England will benefit from this initiative.
- The checks aim to identify health issues promptly, reducing disruption to students' education.
- Pilot studies showed that conducting checks in familiar environments improved student comfort and outcomes.
- Trained school staff will conduct the checks, ensuring appropriate support and adjustments for each student.
- The program addresses health inequalities by offering essential services that some students struggle to access through mainstream channels.