School nursing
We support children and young people in Buckinghamshire schools with medical, social, emotional or physical needs.
We work in schools and the local community to help each person achieve their potential. This helps them to get the most from life and education, and become responsible for their own health. We also work in clinics and family homes.
Our team works in partnership with children and young people, their families and other health and education professionals in clinics and family homes. We also work with colleagues in health, care and education services across Buckinghamshire to help shape children’s services.
Who we are
We’re a team of multi-skilled staff who specialise in child health and wellbeing. This includes specialist community public health nurses, community nurses, child health and wellbeing advisors, and school health assistants.
We work with colleagues in our NHS Trust’s safeguarding children’s team and our health visiting team who support pre-school children.
Where we work
We work in 3 teams across Buckinghamshire:
- North Bucks (including Aylesbury and Buckingham)
- South Bucks (includes Chiltern and South Bucks)
- Wycombe
Find out which schools we cover
We see children in the most appropriate setting, for example, in their home, school or one of our clinics.
We also use social media and Facetime where needed.
Supporting your child every step of the way
Find out below what you can do to give your child a healthy start at school, and how we support each stage of your child’s school journey.
Before your child starts school, you should:
- make sure your child’s vaccines are up to date
- take your child for their regular dental check up
- get your child’s eyes tested if you have concerns
School readinessÂ
You may feel concerned about your child’s readiness to start school. This may include your child’s:
- long-term health conditions or allergies
- medication
- toileting
- nutrition and diet
- behaviour
- emotional wellbeing
View our getting ready for school page.
Health screening in school
Once your child’s in school, our school nursing team will assess them for height and weight, vision and hearing concerns where needed.
You will be asked by your child’s school to register with the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) in order to gain access to the Thomson Parent Portal where where you will be able to access your child’s results after each of the health screening tests detailed below.
This is easy to set up:
- You just need to have an email address to register with the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)
- Check your email inbox to create a password – make a note of your Username and password for future logins
- You can then log into the portal whenever you wish to read information about health programmes and to access the results of your child’s health screening tests.
Height and weight measurements
Trained staff will weigh your child and measure their height while they are in their clothes. The information uploaded to the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) helps the team and Buckinghamshire Council to ensure the right services and healthy resources are in place to support children to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Vision (eye) test
An eye test is given to children in Reception year or Year 1. If your child can not complete the test, the school nurse will advise you to take your child to an optician. Some children may need referral to our paediatric ophthalmology specialists.
Vision tests can help detect early problems which can be easily corrected in children under 7 years old.
Hearing test
If you have concerns regarding you child’s hearing please complete a referral to the School Nursing Team.
Your child will have hopefully settled into school life and will be healthy, confident and happy as they grow.
School readiness
If your child’s starting school in September and needs extra support, please View our getting ready for school page.
Vaccinations, measurements, dental and eye care
Your child will have access to the child flu vaccine at school.
In Year 6, we’ll measure and weigh your child again as part of the National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP).Â
It’s also important to keep up with regular dental check ups as your child’s adult teeth start appearing.
You can also get a free eye test for your child if you have concerns about their vision.
Parenting courses
Free parenting courses from the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service (BFIS) cover useful tips and coping strategies to dealing with challenging behaviours and building your confidence. Courses run for parents of children of all ages. Some specialise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
You can also access a variety of free, online courses and workshops for parents and careers across Buckinghamshire.
If your child needs help with bedwetting please see your GP first who may then refer you to us.
As your child moves up to secondary school, they’ll be encouraged to take more responsibility for their health and personal development.
Resources for teenagers
We provide access to online resources specifically designed for teenagers and young people to help them navigate what, for some, can be challenging years.
- Chat Health is a text messaging service that allows young people in the county to reach out to a school nurse directly for support with any health and wellbeing concerns they may have.
Chat Health Start a chat with @BucksSchoolNurses or text them on 07312 263295- The Chat Health messaging service empowers young people to get confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including emotional health, sexual health, relationships, alcohol, drugs and bullying.
- Messages can be sent anonymously (if preferred). Trained healthcare professionals will reply to the message within 24 working hours – Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) 9am to 4pm.
- It’s important to note that Chat Health is not an emergency service. Anyone requiring urgent help should call NHS 111 or 999 if it’s a life threatening an emergency.
- Health for teens is a website designed specifically for teenagers and young people to provide them with advice and resources that can support their health and help them navigate the transition to adulthood – the site includes advice on relationships, feelings, lifestyle choices and sexual health. Young people and their parents can use the website to access localised information, news, resources, public health (school) nurse information and more.
- Visit the Health for Teens website to discover more
School immunisations
Your child will also be able to receive vaccinations at school as part of the national routine childhood immunisation schedule.
Find out full details of our schools immunisation programme.
Parenting courses
Free parenting courses from the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service (BFIS) cover useful tips and coping strategies to dealing with challenging behaviours and building your confidence. Courses run for parents of children of all ages. Some specialise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
You can also access a variety of free, online courses and workshops for parents and carers across Buckinghamshire.
How to access our service
Find out which schools we cover.
Email us for a referral form bht.schoolhealth-referrals@nhs.net
You do not need a referral for:
- routine screening
- vaccinations
- children already known to school nursing.
Contact
01296 838000 option 5
Patient information