School nurses are qualified nurses who work with children, young people, families, and schools to support physical and emotional health.

In Croydon, the School Nursing Service is part of the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme. The service supports children and young people aged 5 to 19, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The team works closely with schools, parents, and other professionals to make sure every child can be healthy, safe, and ready to learn. 

School nurses can support your child with:

• Health advice and assessments (e.g. growth, vision, hearing).
• Support with long-term medical conditions (e.g. asthma, epilepsy) in school.
• Care plans for medical needs in partnership with parents and school staff.
• Help with emotional wellbeing, anxiety, low mood, and friendships.
• Support with toileting, puberty, and hygiene.
• Guidance on healthy eating, sleep and physical activity.
• Signposting to other services like CAMHS, GPs or therapy teams.
• Support during school transitions, especially for children with SEND.

They also run health promotion programmes and workshops in schools. 

All children and young people attending mainstream or special schools in Croydon can access the service. The service is inclusive and works with families of children with complex health needs, disabilities, or EHCPs. School nurses make sure your child’s health needs are supported in school and can help you navigate local services too. 

You can contact your child’s school nurse by:

• Asking at your child’s school (they’ll know who the named school nurse is).
• Calling or emailing the Croydon School Nursing Team.

 Phone: 020 8274 7088

 Email: CH-TR.CroydonSchoolNurses@nhs.net

Referrals can also be made by schools, GPs, or other health professionals. 

School nurses often work closely with:

• Parents and carers
  
• Teachers and SENCOs
  
• Paediatricians, therapists, and social care teams
  

Their goal is to support your child’s health so they can thrive both in and out of the classroom. 

Croydon School Nursing Service