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The school nursing service is made up of a team of health professionals, committed to
promoting the health of school age children from 4 to 19 years, and the wider local population.
School nurses are registered nurses who have had experience and specialist training in public health. We seek to strengthen the support available to parents and carers to ensure all children lead safe, healthy lives and grow to healthy adulthood.
School nurses work closely with schools and other professionals. We are committed to working in partnership as an integrated team with all agencies to reach the best outcome for children and young people.
School nurses are trained to carry out duties such as:
- Health assessment for all children when they start primary school
- Hearing and distance vision screening, measurements of height and weight
- Health promotion advice and activities
- Signposting you to other information or support services.
When your child reaches school age, your child’s records are automatically transferred
to us from your health visitor.
The school nursing service is underpinned by the Healthy Child Programme. This what
how Department of Health shapes the service we deliver.
During your child’s first year in school, we will undertake a health assessment. This will be achieved by a health questionnaire, which you will be asked to complete electronically, and routine screenings such as hearing and distance vision checks.
In Year 6, 9 and 11 your child will be invited to complete a health and wellbeing questionnaire in school. The school health team will review the results of the questionnaire and if required follow up any individual health concerns identified. We will also work with schools to deliver any health promotion themes linked to the results of the whole year group.
All children in Reception and Year 6 will also have their height and weight measured as part of their routine screening. The measurements will be included in the National Child Measurement Programme that monitors growth patterns of children across the country, and supports local service delivery. This will be completed by a trained member of the school health team.
School nurses work with key partners to maximise the six high impact areas, supporting children at key transition points through services and phases of education, whilst harnessing the voice of children and young people.
We will work in partnership to create a support system for all children with SEND (special educational needs and disability).
Working together with families to make sure all children have an opportunity to reach their potential and live healthy, happy lives.
If you have any concerns about your child’s health or development, we are always happy to discuss this further with you either at home or school..
The school nurse provides a completely confidential health service.
From time to time we may encourage you to share particular health information with class teachers or other health professionals, where it is in your child’s best interest to do so. However, we will never do this unless you agree for us to do so first.
The Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) code of conduct states we are under no obligation to share information with teachers or parents if the child does not consent, unless there is risk of significant harm.
We also work closely with our safeguarding team to ensure we work in the best interest of all children at all times.
Availability
School Nurses are available from 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday during term time and school holidays.
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust aims to provide a high quality services which reflect
the needs of our communities. This means listening and responding to comments to
help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our PALS and Complaints Team for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 0151 471 2377
Freephone: 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcompaints
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