“Probing” questionnaire for parents of children starting school

From lying to stealing and bullying, quiz asks personal details of family life

Posted: 18 November 2009
by Tessa Watkins

Parents of 5-year-olds starting school have been sent an 83-point questionnaire that probes personal details of their lives, reports the Daily Mail. It asks parents whether their children tell lies or bully others, and if they steal at home or from shops.

Mums and dads of children who haven’t even started school yet are asked whether their youngsters have friends, if they can speak freely with others in their family, and whether they eat takeaways.

Thousands of families in Lincolnshire were sent the questionnaire as part of trials of a ‘Healthy Child Programme’, and the Department of Health wants all families in England and Wales to complete them too.

The information will be held by the NHS databases for the use of health workers, and planners want new forms submitted each year to build up a detailed picture of the family and children’s development. The questionnaires aren’t compulsory, but parents who choose not to complete them may be visited by community nurses, who are looking to identify vulnerable families.

Dylan Sharpe, from the Big Brother Watch pressure group, said, “This is incredibly intrusive. The NHS Trust has failed to make it clear that this is a voluntary questionnaire. I would advise any parent receiving this to stick it straight in the bin.”

The Department of Health said, “Many local areas currently administer a questionnaire to parents as the basis for a review at school entry. It will be an additional tool to safeguard and support all children’s health and wellbeing.”

What do you think of the questionnaire? Would you be willing to complete it before sending your child to school? Let us know below…

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Discuss this story

Susanne Robertson

I remember vaguely hearing about this recently, but didn't think anything of it - can't believe they are actually planning to go ahead with it in other areas. I don't see the need for it at all, the questions are very intrusive and I don't think it's the right way to go about trying to find vulnerable families. I'd definitely opt out of completing it, even with the consequences!

Posted: 18/11/2009 17:18

Lynne Nelson

It would appear that more and more aspects of our lives are becoming subject to unnecessary intrusion. My oh laughs at me when I go on about reading the book '1984' but its becoming more and more real to me-Big Brother really is watching you!!

Posted: 18/11/2009 20:11

mummabear

I'm guessing most who actually fill this questionare in-will bend the truth anyway

so how effective can it really be??

Posted: 18/11/2009 20:34

pip

i got this last week - and my son is in reception so its not for pre-schoolers. I filled it in truthfully, i don't see the point in lying.

But then it is SO easy just to tick all the politically correct boxes as the questions are completly daft and leading.

IF it protects even only a few children or helps them i really dont mind fillig stuff like that in.

Posted: 18/11/2009 20:46

theoldwomanwholivesinashoe

We haven't had one and Arthur started school this year.I'd be happy to fill one in,I just think it's a bit of an intrusion into family life,so what's new there?You're right Lynne,it's Big Brother.

All of us lead very different lives,no one way is right or wrong,so Ican't see what this is going to acheive.If a child really is at risk this survey's not going to help any.

Posted: 18/11/2009 22:17

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