School nurses are registered nurses who have completed additional specialist training in school nursing.
Our school nursing teams are made up of school nurses, registered nurses, nursery nurses and clinical health assistants.
The School Nursing team works across Surrey to promote physical health and emotional wellbeing in schools and in the community. This includes issues such as sexual health, illnesses, healthy eating, exam stress and bullying.
They do this by:
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Being available to young people, parents, carers and teaching staff to address any concerns about a child’s health
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Providing health advice to help children and young people make the most of their education
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Completing health reviews with children starting primary and secondary school
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Holding health drop-ins in secondary schools which offer young people an opportunity to
discuss health issues confidentially
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Supporting young people who have specific medical needs and providing relevant training for staff to help manage these needs
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Delivering classroom-based health education
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Supporting immunisation programmes in school
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Leading community clinics to help children with night-time wetting
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Working with school-aged children in the community who have been excluded or where families have chosen to educate at home.
Across Surrey, we also offer a text service called ChatHealth, a confidential school nurse messaging service for young people aged 11-19. Young people can contact their school nurse in confidence by text. The Chat Health text number is: 07507 329 951. Young people can also call our advice line to get in touch with a school nurse.
All of the issues discussed are confidential unless a child's safety, or that of others, is at risk. Our school nurses will always encourage young people to discuss issues with their parents or guardians.
PHSE (personal, social and health education)
Our school nurses work in partnership with parents and schools to provide PHSE (personal, social and health education) to primary and secondary school children.
In primary school, we cover topics such as personal hygiene, what to expect in puberty and healthy eating.
In secondary school, we cover topics such as positive relationships, sexual health, emotional resilience and promoting healthly lifestyle choices.
This school-based programme is part of the National Curriculum.
Health sceening in primary schools
Our school nursing teams provide health screening within state schools as part of the National Child Measurement Programme.
North East
Spelthorne Team – Tel: 01784 883695 / 883694
Elmbridge Team – Tel: 020 8979 6464
Epsom, Ewell and Banstead Team – Tel: 01372 730040
South East
Mole Valley Team – Tel: 01372 384300
Redhill and Tandridge Team – Tel: 01883 340922
South West
Waverley Team – Tel: 01483 782092
Guildford Team – Tel: 01483 783171 / 783255
North West
Woking Team – Tel: 01483 846201
Surrey Heath Team – Tel: 01276 21799
Runnymede Team – Tel: 01483 783515
Parents and carers can also contact our school nurse team through our Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line.
