New report highlights need for additional school nurses
Efforts need to be made to address a recent decline in the number of school nurses working in England, according to a new report.
Data released by NHS Digital has indicated that more than 550 school nurses have been lost to England's schooling system since 2010, which represents 19 per cent of the total school-based NHS workforce nationwide.
Moreover, the pace of this decline has accelerated in recent months, with more than 100 posts having been lost so far this year. The Royal College of Nursing has responded to these findings by warning that this trend could have negative repercussions for both teachers and students.
The organisation noted that the absence of school nurses means teachers are losing access to vital expertise to help them deal with health problems that arise during the school day, while also placing the health and safety of pupils at risk.
This is a particularly pressing issue for students with long-term health conditions that require ongoing care and maintenance, as a deterioration of school nursing services would mean that these youngsters would no longer be able to participate in the mainstream schooling system.
As such, the Royal College is calling for a funding increase for local authorities to ensure that every school is able to offer a fully-staffed school nursing service.
Fiona Smith, professional lead for children and young people's nursing at the Royal College of Nursing, said: "It would be completely unjust if a child couldn't participate in school life because of their health condition. Every child has the right to an education and it is the government's responsibility to make that happen."
School nurses provide a number of essential functions, including carrying out health assessments, offering health education and advice, and running immunisation clinics.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£400 - 600 per week
Location free text
Ferndown
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Primary SEN Support
Location
Dorset
Description
Teaching Assistant – Ferndown Are you looking for your next opportunity in education?I’m looking for a full-time Teaching Assistant to join one of my lovely middle schools in Ferndown, starting after
Reference
EW-162
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£140 - 210 per day
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Liverpool
Description
- Are you a Primary Teacher looking to take on supply work in your local area? - Would you like the freedom to manage your own diary and work when you like? - Are you flexi
Reference
GWS *202302
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool Primary
Author
Liverpool PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 14.68 per hour
Location free text
Chichester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Chichester
Description
An inclusive and welcoming mainstream secondary school in Chichester is seeking a dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join its supportive team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about help
Reference
LSA4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£33k - 55k per year
Location free text
Blackburn
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£50,000 - £59,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Blackburn
Description
Head of Mathematics - Blackburn, LancashireFull-Time | Permanent Opportunity | January 2027 StartTeaching Personnel are working in partnership with a high-achieving and ambitious secondary school in B
Reference
3009HODBB1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£34,069 - 46,940 per year
Location free text
Petersfield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Petersfield
Description
Role: Maths TeacherLocation: PetersfieldStart: ASAPSalary: MPR/UPRTeaching Personnel are working with a well-established independent co-educational school located in Petersfield, seeking a teacher of
Reference
Maths2627
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£100 - 140 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£30,000 - £39,999
Sector
English
Location
Northampton
Description
Unqualified Teacher of English Northampton | Full time Passionate About English? Start Your Teaching Journey Today!We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Unqualified Teacher of English to join
Reference
uqeng
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£100 - 140 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£30,000 - £39,999
Sector
English
Location
Northampton
Description
Trainee Teacher of English Northampton | Full time Launch Your Teaching Career with a Fully Salaried Teacher Training Opportunity!Are you a graduate with a passion for English a
Reference
traineeeng
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£14.25 - 15.00 per hour
Location free text
Barrow-in-Furness
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cumbria
Description
Early Years Teaching Assistant in Barrow-in-Furness (LA13)Full-time position with an immediate startPay: £14.25-£15.00 per hour (depending on experience) Are you interested in working within an E
Reference
TT6564
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Kent
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Kent
Description
Make a Real Difference in Education TP Tutors is recruiting dedicated tutors to provide personalised one-to-one tuition across Medway and surrounding areas.This rewarding role offers the opportunit
Reference
INDSOUTH Medway
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Blackpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
EYFS - Reception
Location
Blackpool
Description
Full-time Early Years Teacher in Blackpool (FY6)Start Date: November 2026Pay: £120-£160 per day (depending on experience) Are you looking to develop your career within Early Years education?Teach
Reference
TT2323
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year, we w
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job