School enrolment - school entry examinations

In accordance with Section 8 (3) of the Health Service Act and Section 2 of the Saarland Compulsory Education Act, all children who are required to attend school for the first time are examined by a doctor before starting school to check their development and state of health.

The school entry examination (SEU) is required by law and is mandatory. The purpose of the school entry examination is the early detection of health or developmental problems that could affect a child's ability to attend school.

This involves identifying the child's strengths and weaknesses relevant to school, advising the parents and recommending support measures for the child if necessary.

Together with the written invitation to the public health department, parents receive a questionnaire on the child's development and illnesses to date, which should be completed and brought to the examination together with the medical check-up booklet (U-Heft) and immunisation documents.

The timing of the invitation can vary from 1 year to a few weeks before the child starts school.

During the examination, the child's medical history, medical record and immunisation booklet are documented, hearing and eye tests are carried out and the child's weight and height are measured.

A child-friendly full-body medical examination is carried out and language, motor and cognitive skills are tested using a standardised development test. The results of the examination are discussed with the parents and, if necessary, support measures are recommended or provided.

The school headmasters receive a written medical statement with recommendations on the child's ability to attend school and the need for support.

The final decision on school enrolment is made by the head teacher of the primary school in consultation with the parents/guardians.