§ Mrs. ShephardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what role is envisaged for school nurses arising from proposals for improved child protection in the Children Green Paper. [153898]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 9 February 2004]: It is expected that school nurses will continue to contribute to child protection, working with others to identify, monitor and support vulnerable school aged children and young people. As a result of the Green Paper, school nurses will be expected to work more closely with education and social care, contributing to common assessments and working in integrated children's teams, through initiatives such as extended schools. There will be a greater focus on early intervention and prevention and school nurses will need to ensure that children and young people are involved in decision making.
558WThe chief nursing officer is currently undertaking a review of the nursing/midwifery and health visiting contribution to children at risk, which will include school nursing.