Nurse for Every School in Wales

Welsh Labour’s Health Minister today announced that every secondary school in Wales will have a registered nurse by next year.

Edwina Hart made the announcement at Mountain Ash Comprehensive in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where she launched the new school nursing service in Wales.

The nurses’ role is to help address the health, emotional and social needs of children and young people and promote healthy behaviour and well-being. It will address the needs of all pupils regardless of their school attendance and will include services outside school hours and during school holidays where required.

It is widely accepted that schools that promote the health and well being of children and young people are more likely to create an effective learning environment.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said:

“The provision of a school nurse for every secondary school will lead to greater consistency of the service across Wales to improve the health of children and young people.

“The nurses will have a mix of skills and expertise, covering public health, health surveillance, health promotion, health protection, safeguarding, supporting children and young people with medical, special and complex health needs.

“This will increase opportunities to work together with others, such as teachers, classroom assistants, school counsellors, youth workers, parents and school students.”