School Health nurses - about the service

We provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of children, young people and their families. These include (but are not limited to):

School Health Nurses can also signpost to other services that may be of use to you:

We are Specialist Public Health Nurses who deliver the universal elements of the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) to all children and young people aged 5-19 and ensure that they and their families get early help and support when they need it. In 2012 The Department of Health, Department of Education and key stakeholders created a new model and vision for our service called 'Getting it right for children, young people and families' (March 2012) which we follow in addition to the Healthy Child Programme. This new vision includes the following key aspects of our service:

  • Improved health outcomes for children, young people and families
  • Improved partnership working between School Health Nurses, schools and parenting support
  • Quality Improvements in the School Health Nursing Service

What do we do?

School Health Nurses provide opportunities for children and young people in mainstream school and Pupil Referral Units to access confidential advice and support via a weekly nurse led Time4U clinic. This can include health concerns such as emotional worries and stress to alcohol and drug dependency. The School Health Nurse is able to provide sexual health advice which includes, emergency contraception, condom supply, pregnancy testing, and signposting to other agencies.

Additionally, School Health Nurses work with young people who may have issues such as weight concerns mental and emotional health, accident prevention; attendance at A&E, domestic violence concerns, substance misuse.

We have a separate team of trained Special School Nurses who support children and young people attending one of Worcestershire's 7 Special Schools. The Special School Nursing service provides support to Special Schools to enable the school to meet the holistic care needs of children and young people when attending school. Although this is primarily through training and supporting school staff, all children can access direct support and advice from the Special School Nurse if they choose.

The safeguarding of children and young people is paramount. The Health Care Support Workers weigh and measure all reception and year 6 children on an annual basis and each parent receives the results and a contact number if they wish to discuss their child’s results with the School Health Nurse.

Safeguarding and Children in Need make up a large percentage of our workload. This involves attending case conferences, core groups, other relevant meetings, undertaking health assessments and working very closely with the children, young people and their families. We work hard to make sure that this does not reduce the amount of time we spend with other children, young people and families who may need our help and/or support.

Where can I see the School Health Nurse?

They are available within schools at varying times and the School will always have a contact number. Parents can see them at school via prior arrangement within the school term or within their home. At secondary Schools the Children and Young People can either arrange to see the School Health Nurse via an appointment system or Drop in to the Time 4 U. These are held weekly for up to three hours.

Who works in the School Health Nursing service? 

The School Health Service is mainly made up of Specialist Community Public Health Nurses, Community Staff Nurses who have a variety of skills, academic qualifications and expertise within varying areas such as sexual health, Children’s health, mental health, health promotion and teaching. We have Health Care Support workers with a range of training and skills working with children, young people and parents, alongside the School Health Nurses on a day to day basis.

There are also administration staff within clinics who also have a range of skills and expertise within the administration field.

Who do we work with?

We work in partnership with schools and other key professionals to develop and implement a robust child and young person identification, support and monitoring system, which is activated at school entry and at key points of transition. This system will include the following elements:

 

ChatHealth confidential text messaging service

If you're 11-19 years old text 07507331750 to speak to your School Health Nurse for confidential advice and support around a variety of issues, including bullying, emotional health, relationship problems, alcohol and drugs.

Service is available 9:00-5:00pm Mon-Fri