The Western Bay of Plenty's B4 School Check programme, a health and development check for all four year olds, has examined 1657 children since it started in 2008.
B4 School Check aims to find any problems that four year olds have and address those issues before they start school.

Programme coordinator Noeline White says those helped by the programme equates to about half the total number of four year olds in the region.
Noeline says from the children checked so far, more than 500 referrals have been made for significant issues that, if gone unnoticed, could have affected the child's learning ability once they got to school. Some children have needed several referrals.
"The most common issues showing up are hearing loss or vision impairments," says Noeline.
"Children who have difficulty hearing or seeing properly can also develop behavioural problems out of sheer frustration."
Noeline says there has been a very positive reaction from parents who welcome the chance to talk with a health professional about their child.
"They are often surprised the check is so thorough and that they get up to 45 minutes without interruption to discuss their child and raise any concerns they have."
The check may take place at a community clinic, preschool, community centre, or other setting.
Parents and caregivers of children in the Bay of Plenty, who are turning four, will receive an invitation from their local B4 School Check team for their child to attend a check.
If they don't, they should contact providers such as Plunket Tauranga 07 578 7811, Te Manu Toroa 07 577 4182, Public Health Nurses 07 577 3307 or contact Noeline White, B4 School Check Coordinator, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, 07 5773329, 021 241 6837.