Fiducia TogetherSchool nursing
The NHS service for school-age children's health. Free, and under-used.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
School nursing is an NHS public health service for school-age children, covering health assessments, immunisations, support for medical conditions, continence, emotional wellbeing and safeguarding.
Where it applies
All school-age children in England. Services and staffing vary considerably by area.
How it works
School nurses work across schools rather than being based in one, so contact is usually by referral or a drop-in. They can advise on individual healthcare plans and train staff.
They are a route into other services — continence, sleep, emotional wellbeing — that families often reach much later through the GP.
What you can ask for
Ask the school how to contact the school nurse. Many parents do not know the service exists.
Ask for a referral for continence, sleep or toileting support, which is a common and treatable barrier to school life.
Young people can usually self-refer to a drop-in, confidentially.
Where to get help
Your school office for the local team, or search your NHS trust plus "school nursing".
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.