The Role of the School Nurse

The care of children and young people is an important part of the role of the GP. As well as promoting the health of children and young people during contacts, GPs may refer children and their families to other health professionals for targeted interventions. Over the past few years, there has been considerable research concerned with the health of children and young people and policy drivers emphasizing a multi-agency approach. Most recently, the government has introduced ‘The Healthy Child Programme 0–19 years' (HCP) which provides further guidance on the commissioning of children's services. This article sets out to provide a greater understanding of the HCP (5–19 years) and the role of the school nurse within the school health team. This insight will assist GPs in understanding how best to support the unique needs of children and young people and the families who care for them as required in the GP curriculum.