School nurses are the key people linking education and health and take over from the health visitor when children start school, and are there to support them until they leave school at 19.

Our Health Visitors will support you in getting your child ready for primary school. They will provide guidance on arranging pre-school immunisations and advice about healthy eating, toileting, hand washing, etc. At five years your child moves to the care of our School Nurses.

School Nurses are qualified nurses who have specialist training in Public Health and offer support to children and their families throughout the school year as part of the Healthy Child Programme 5-19. Some screenings and immunisations are provided through schools. If your child is home educated and you would like some advice from the school nurse, please do contact us.

Public Health Nurses are qualified nurses that work alongside Health Visitors, School Nurses, Community Nursery Nurses.

Community Nursery Nurses have a variety of qualifications and skills in child development and have expertise and knowledge supporting children and families. They work with the Health Visitors, School Nurses and Public health Nurses in the 0-19 service.

If you have concerns about your school age child you can speak to a School Nurse by either phone or by attending a local drop-in session. Contact our advice line (see below for details) or visit one of our Drop in’s. Dates, times and venues in our what’s on section.

Your School nurse can provide advice and support on issues including:

• Behaviour
• Emotional health and wellbeing
• Continence issues e.g. soiling and enuresis
• Developmental concerns
• Advice, information and signposting to sexual health and contraception services
• Growth and weight concerns
• Advice and information in relation to lifestyle concerns including smoking, drugs or alcohol
• Supporting pupils and their families/carers with newly diagnosed medical conditions

What if I want advice outside of school?

You can either phone our advice line on 0300 333 5352 (Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm) or email us publichealthnursing.torbay@nhs.net which ever is easier.
Referral to 0 to 19 for school age children and young people.

Starting school in September

Here’s how the team can help. View or download the information poster and leaflet.