School nurses in Hertfordshire

When your child starts school at 5 years old, the school nursing service takes over from the health visiting service.

The service works with children, young people, parents, carers and school staff at mainstream, state-funded schools.

School nurses promote physical and mental health and wellbeing for children and young people.

What school nurses in Hertfordshire do

The team advise on a range of health issues that can affect a child or young person. They:

promote physical and mental health activities
help families that need a little extra support, including specific parenting issues, emotional difficulties and coping with long term health conditions.
work with families with complex needs (including drug and alcohol misuse) together with social care and other health organisations to keep the young person safe and healthy.

The school nursing service works with...

During your child’s first school year, you’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire about their health and wellbeing.
All children are offered screening tests of height, weight, vision and hearing. The service will monitor and discuss any issues with the parents / carers. They will refer to a specialist service if required, with parental permission.
Children’s height and weight measurements are included in the National Childhood Measurement Programme, with parental consent.

Children are invited to complete an online health assessment in school.
Children’s height and weight measurements are included in the National Childhood Measurement Programme, with parental consent.

At this age, we encourage students to take more responsibility for their own health. As such, support is arranged directly with the schools wherever there's a need.

Immunisations

Hertfordshire School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) have information about immunisations, schedules and who you can contact.

Parents, teachers, GPs and professionals can refer a child. Young people can also self-refer themselves to the service.

Contact your local school nursing team on 0300 123 7572.

It can be tricky to find good health advice on the internet. Try these – they're managed by the school nursing service...