The use of a mobile app in health visiting to support school readiness

Abstract

Starting school is a major milestone in family life, and there is increasing awareness that a child who is ‘ready for school’ when they begin full-time education is more likely to reach their full potential. This is not only in terms of academic achievement, but also social and behavioural skills, which have an impact later in adulthood (UNICEF, 2012). Health visitors’ responsibilities include supporting parents to maximise their child’s health and development from birth onwards—a complex and challenging remit for which they need to be continually developing engaging strategies and tools (Department of Health, 2009). This article reviews the collaborative development of a school readiness mobile app for Bridgewater Community Foundation NHS Trust. The project won the prestigious 2016 Journal of Health Visiting Award for School Readiness, and the University of Chester was recognised as a key collaborator in this innovative development. The article seeks to inspire health visiting colleagues to search for collaborative partners to address school readiness in an engaging way with parents.