Concern over decline in numbers of school nurses

NHS data has revealed that more than 550 nurses have been lost since 2010, raising concerns over pupil safety.

The Royal College of Nursing has warned that this leaves children with asthma, epilepsy and diabetes at risk in the classroom.

The fall in nurses has increased in recent months, with over 100 posts lost so far this year.

The RCN has said the loss is leaving teachers without vital training and pupils without necessary support, and warns that if services continue to deteriorate, pupils with health conditions may be unable to attend mainstream school.

Fiona Smith, RCN professional lead for children and young people’s nursing, commented: “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.”

The RCN is calling on the government to provide local authorities with the funds needed for fully-staffed school nursing services, so that every child can attend school safely.

“It is time the government wakes up and realises the hugely detrimental impact these cuts are having to our children and our society,” Fiona added.

“School nursing is a critical service and it needs to be treated as such.”