NHS school nurses are specialist nurses who provide support to school aged children. Every school has an allocated school nurse to help support the health and wellbeing of children.
The school nursing team is made up of school nurses, community staff nurses and health care support workers. They are trained in providing early intervention and support to help children and young people maximise their health and wellbeing and avoid more serious health concerns in later life.
The school nursing service adopts a Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and trauma skilled approach when working with children and families in gaining consent, respecting confidentiality and sharing information where and when appropriate. All children and young people have the right to access the same services, including those children and young people who are home schooled.
The school nursing service support families and build on their strengths, connecting them to the right supports at the right time.
The new refocussed school nursing role
The school nurse role will concentrate on 10 priority areas:
Emotional Health and wellbeing
Substance Use
Child Protection
Youth Justice
Domestic Abuse
Sexual Health and wellbeing
Care Experienced Children
Homelessness
Transitions
Young Carers
School nurses can make referrals into other services ensuring children receive the correct care and support at the right time.
If you need further advice or support in relation to any of the ten priority areas mentioned above for a school-aged child, please contact your named school nurse.
School Nursing App - SNAP
Download it for FREE on the App Store or Google Play! Just search for "NHS Ayrshire & Arran" and look for SNAP - School Nursing Ayrshire Provision
Children or young people, parents and carers can talk to their teacher or guidance teacher to see if a referral to a school nurse would be helpful. They can also contact the school nursing service directly using the phone number listed below:
