For the first time since the corona pandemic, the Office for Health and Prevention was able to offer all children in Chemnitz the legally regulated preventive medical check-ups again in the 2024/25 school year (SächsKitaG, SächsSchulG, SächsSchulGesPflVO).
The aim of the examinations is to recognise possible health and developmental disorders of particular importance for successful school attendance at an early stage and to inform the children, pupils and parents about necessary medical and therapeutic measures and the school about school support measures and to provide general information. The anonymised data is also used to develop needs-based preventative services and to advise childcare facilities.
Results of the daycare centre examination for the 2024/2025 school year: children's health and development status approx. 2 years before starting school
A total of 1,367 children were examined during the daycare centre examinations, which are carried out exclusively with the consent of the legal guardians. The results provide important insights into the health and developmental status of the children two years before they start school.
77 per cent of the participating children presented a medical check-up booklet, of which 91 per cent had taken part in the U7A examination. A vaccination card was presented by 79 per cent of the children. Of these children, 97 per cent were fully vaccinated against measles. 91 per cent had complete basic immunisation.
The level of development is recorded by means of a screening examination. If this reveals any abnormalities, further diagnostic clarification is required.
The screening itself only serves as an initial assessment and does not replace a medical or psychological diagnosis.
The examinations revealed abnormalities in the eye test in 26 per cent of the children, which required medical clarification. The hearing test revealed abnormalities in 20 per cent of the children. Speech abnormalities were found in almost 33 per cent of the children: Around 10 per cent were already undergoing treatment, while further clarification was recommended for 21 per cent.
In addition, fine motor abnormalities were found in 10 per cent of the children and gross motor abnormalities in 6 per cent. In both cases, a referral for medical clarification was made.
At the time of the examination, 7 per cent of the children were already receiving support (integrative place, early intervention, dual support, curative education group) and around 10 per cent were undergoing outpatient therapy (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy). In total, 15.5 per cent of the children were recommended as needing support after the survey.
Another aspect of the survey shows that 21 per cent of the children examined are not native German speakers.
The results emphasise the importance of early, voluntary screenings as well as targeted support services for children and families.
Results of the school entry examinations for the 2024/2025 school year: children's health and developmental status in the pre-school year
A total of 2,504 children were examined at the school entry examinations. Of these, 328 children were returnees from the previous year and 47 children were examined early for school enrolment. 105 children were being cared for at home at the time of the examination, the other children were attending a day care centre at the time of the examination.
86 per cent of the children had a medical check-up booklet, of which over 80 per cent had received the relevant medical check-ups U7A, U8 and U9. Vaccination protection was at a good level overall: almost 95 per cent of the children were fully vaccinated against measles. Complete vaccination against chickenpox and meningococcus C was around 70 per cent, and against meningococcus B 56 per cent.
Based on the test results, 85 per cent of the children were recommended to attend primary school as normal. A recommendation for deferral was made for 12 per cent and for 3.5 per cent a recommendation for a review of special educational needs.
The health screenings revealed abnormalities in the eye test for 20 per cent of the children and in the hearing test for 9 per cent. Around 5 per cent of the children were overweight and 4.4 per cent were obese. Developmental abnormalities were found in 11 per cent of the children in the area of visuomotor skills, 10 per cent in the area of language and 5 per cent in visual perception. In each of these cases, a medical assessment was recommended.
Speech abnormalities were found in more than 25 per cent of the children. 17 per cent were already undergoing speech therapy treatment, while in around 10 per cent the abnormalities were newly recognised and appropriate referrals were made. Abnormalities in body coordination were identified in 3.6 per cent of the children, and 3.8 per cent were already undergoing therapeutic treatment.
Another important finding: 26 per cent of the children examined were not native German speakers. This proportion has risen in comparison to previous years.
With regard to the school entry examination, the Office for Health and Prevention of the City of Chemnitz also has data from previous school years. No statistically significant difference was found between the previous school years and the individual items analysed. On average, the results are at a similar level. Only in the area of physical coordination is there a slight downward trend in abnormalities without statistical significance.
The results emphasise the relevance of school entry examinations as a central instrument for the early identification of needs for support and assistance as well as for the targeted support of children and families.
Results of the survey of the sixth grade school year 2024/2025
A total of 1,445 children were examined in the sixth grade examinations. The results provide a comprehensive insight into the pupils' state of health.
63 per cent of the children brought their vaccination card to the examination date. Of these, 95 per cent had full measles vaccination protection. 60 per cent of the children had complete basic immunisation and 71 per cent were fully vaccinated against chickenpox.
The vaccination rate for the HPV vaccination was significantly lower: only 24 per cent of children were fully vaccinated.
The eye examination revealed abnormalities in 20 per cent of the children, and 20 per cent were already receiving specialist ophthalmological treatment. The following findings were found with regard to body weight: 15 per cent of the children were overweight and a further 12 per cent were obese.
Elevated blood pressure was found in 14 per cent of the children examined, which is why they were referred for further medical clarification. Abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system were also found in a relevant proportion of the children: Nine per cent showed abnormalities of the spine, and an additional 3 per cent were already undergoing orthopaedic treatment. Postural problems were found in 8 per cent. In addition, 6.2 per cent showed abnormalities in the extremities and joints, and 5 per cent had already received orthopaedic treatment for this reason.