Why every school needs a school nurse

School nurses play an essential role in promoting the health and wellbeing of children and young people in the UK (Sutton and White, 2024). They can be employed by various organisations, including local health authorities, primary care trusts, community trusts or sometimes directly by the school. This means their employment and oversight can vary depending on the region and specific needs of the school or community. School nurses offer a wide range of services, including delivering health and sex education, conducting developmental screening, performing health assessment and administering immunisation programmes. These nurses are highly skilled professionals, educated to postgraduate level. Their approach to care considers the biological, psychological and social factors affecting the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

The school nurse serves as a unique bridge between the school, home and community. When school nurses are present, they support students from the beginning of primary school through secondary school and into young adulthood. During these years, they guide and support students, promoting good physical and mental health. School nurses are uniquely positioned to use their public health expertise to promote safety and prevent harm, and have a key role to play in safeguarding.