the WotWots First Ambassadors for NZ’s B4 School Checks

the WotWots Become First Ambassadors for New Zealand’s
B4 School Checks

Wellington, New Zealand, August 25 2011....
the WotWots have become the first ambassadors for New Zealand’s Ministry of Health’s B4 School Checks, an initiative offering a comprehensive assessment of a four year old child’s health and development.

Officially launched today by New Zealand’s Minister of Health Hon. Tony Ryall, B4 School Checks ensure children are ready for school and identify any physical, emotional and social issues that could impact on a child’s ability to learn and often have life-changing outcomes for children and their families.

Co-Founder of Weta Workshop, Sir Richard Taylor said “When we began speaking to the Ministry of Health about the B4 School Check initiative, we knew it was something the WotWots had to be a part of. We hope with the WotWots involvement, it encourages more parents to take their young ones in for a health check so they can have every opportunity to grow and learn.”

The partnership will see every child going in for a B4 School Check receive a free the WotWots colouring in, activity or board book and a sticker. the WotWots will also be featured on B4 School Check resources and the partnership appear together at the Parent and Child Show in Auckland at the end of September. A the WotWots ringtone will also be available for download at www.thewotwots.com and DottyWot and SpottyWot will appear at early childhood centres across New Zealand.

The second season of the WotWots can be seen on TV2 at 8.50am weekdays.

the WotWots
the WotWots is an enchanting pre-school series that follows the adventures of two adorable siblings from outer space, SpottyWot and DottyWot. This delightful pair of enquiring minds have come to Earth to explore and to marvel at the extraordinary diversity of life on the blue planet. The show celebrates this joy of discovery and demonstrates the positive values that are the building blocks of a true and enduring friendship. the WotWots is broadcast in 90 territories including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Korea, Middle East and Poland.

Pukeko Pictures is a business partnership between Academy Award winner Richard Taylor the co-founder and creative lead of Weta Workshop (Lord of the Rings, King Kong), and internationally acclaimed author and children’s television creator, Martin Baynton. Taylor and Baynton previously teamed up to create the award winning children’s program, Jane and the Dragon.

About B4 School Checks
The B4 School Check is the eighth Well Child check, and takes place as soon as possible after a child turns four. The check is free and helps to make sure children are healthy and can learn well.

The B4 School Check provides an opportunity for parents to talk to a trained nurse about their child’s wellbeing and development and raise any concerns they might have.

Sometimes children have health or development problems that can hold them back from learning or interacting with other children. The aim of the B4 School Check is to find and address these things before a child starts school.

The B4 School Check assessment includes a check of a child’s:

hearing
eyesight
teeth and gums
height
weight
behaviour
development

Appointments take about 45 minutes. If any concerns are identified, action can usually be taken early and the nurse can refer the child to appropriate services before they start school. Referral could be to a nurse, a doctor, a specialist such as a paediatrician or speech–language therapist, the dental service, or someone who can help with behavioural issues.

Parents will receive an invitation from their local B4 School Check team for their four year old to have a check. Parents who don’t receive an invitation can contact their local B4 School Check coordinator. The coordinators’ details plus more information are available on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz/b4schoolcheck

Information on the B4 School Check will also be hosted at www.wotwots.com

ENDS

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