School Nurses are qualified Nurses or Midwives who have completed further training. Every school has a named School Nurse who provides advice to children about healthy living and supports them in their choices. They are approachable and non-judgemental and their aim is to enable children and young people to improve their health and wellbeing and reach their full potential.
Getting ready for starting school
Our Health Visitors and School Nurses will support you in getting your child ready for starting school. They will provide guidance on arranging pre-school immunisations and advice about healthy eating, toileting, hand washing, etc.
Checks they will do
The School Nurse will complete the following checks, during which they will also review appropriate interventions for any physical, emotional or developmental problems that may have been missed or not addressed. Parental consent will always be obtained in advance.
Height and Weight Measurements
When in Reception and Year 6 your child’s height and weight will be measured by the School Nurse in line with the National Child Measurement Programme to assess whether they are the most suitable weight for their height.
For more information about the National Child Measurement Programme visit the NHS Choices website: nhs.uk/Livewell/childhealth1-5/Pages/ChildMeasurement
Eyesight and Hearing Checks
When in Reception the School Nurse will also check your child’s eyesight and hearing. The School Nurse will inform you of the results, along with further information on who to contact, if appropriate.
Seeing your School Nurse
The School Nursing service can work both in and out of school to help provide or find you support about: keeping healthy, emotional health, weight management, sexual health, smoking, drugs and alcohol.
We can also help make sure that young people with disabilities, long-term illness, or other needs can receive extra support when they need it. If we can’t provide the help ourselves, we will connect you with someone who can.