Supporting complex and additional health and wellbeing needs
The 0-19 public health nursing service (health visiting and school nursing teams) can support children and young people who may require additional support or who would benefit from sign posting or referrals to more specialist services.
When a child or young person has a complicated or long-term need, it is important they can access support to enable them to engage with their learning whilst maintaining their health and social well-being. The majority will have their needs met within the mainstream educational setting and may need support or medication during the school day to remain well. If an Educational Health Care Plan is required, the school nurses can advocate for the child, young person and parent / carer to ensure that the child’s voice is considered, especially if they have communication difficulties or are unable to articulate for themselves.
Access to services needs to be responsive and timely to individual and family needs. The school nurse team, work collaboratively with other health professionals and voluntary agencies including GPs, dental services, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, community paediatricians, schools, youth services and social care. The team can sign post or make referrals for children, young people and their families following early identification of need.
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