School Nursing
School Flu: Complete you child’s E-consent form today (Reception – Year 11)
School nurses are specialised qualified experienced professionals that work across health and education boundaries.
They work with individual children, young people and families, schools and communities to improve health.
They also provide the link between school, home and the community. They are supported with a team of Registered Nurses and Health Care Support Workers.
You can find further resources on our Healthier Together website.
Contact the School Nursing Service
If you would like to seek health and/or wellbeing support for your child, please call 01633 431 685 to be referred to the School Nursing Service.
Young people aged 11-19 can anonymously text our School Nursing Team on 07312 263 262 for confidential support and advice on a range of physical and/or emotional health issues. For more information on how ChatHealth uses your data visit the ChatHealth website
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School Based Immunisations
Teenage 3-in-1 Booster
Please ensure you have returned your child’s consent form to your child’s school when you receive the information pack. Alternatively, you can download the Teenage Booster Consent Form and the Meningitis ACWY Consent Form and print off at home.
For more information please read the Protection against tetanus, diphtheria and polio leaflet from NHS Direct.
Meningitis ACWY
The MenACWY vaccine is offered routinely to all young people around 13/14 years of age (school year nine).
Starting University?
Cases of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by Men W bacteria are rising, due to a particularly deadly strain.
Older teenagers and first time university students are at high risk of infection because they tend to live in close contact in shared accommodation, such as university halls of residence.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of Meningitis go to the Meningitis Now website.
Children's Nasal Flu Spray
The Children’s nasal flu spray is offered to all children in schools in Gwent from reception to year 11 in the Autumn term. Complete your child’s Flu E-Consent Form to keep them safe and well this Winter. For more information about flu please visit Public Health Wales
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine
HPV (human papillomavirus) a very common virus. More than 70% of people who haven’t had the HPV vaccine will contract the virus at some point in their life. HPV can lead to a range of cancers and some people may also develop genital warts. Getting the vaccine now protects you against future risks.
HPV is usually spread through intimate sexual contact and condoms don't provide complete protection from HPV.
The HPV vaccine is offered to:
- boys and girls aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) in school during the summer term, and
- those who may have missed their vaccination but are still eligible up to the age of 25 (That is, boys who were in school year 8 on or after 1 September 2019 and girls who became eligible for the vaccine on or after 1 September 2008.)
What do I need to do to get my child this vaccine?
If your child attends secondary school, they will be given a paper consent form to take home for a parent/guardian to sign and returned to school as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can download the HPV Consent Form and print off at home
Children and young people who are home-schooled or not currently attending school can have the HPV vaccine at their GP surgery by making an appointment with the practice nurse.
Changes to the HPV vaccination programme from 1 September 2023
In previous years, the vaccine was given as two doses. Evidence now shows one dose provides young people with the same level of protection as the previous two doses. This change (from two doses) will happen in England and Wales from 1 September 2023.
The HPV vaccine is highly effective at protecting against cancers caused by HPV, including cervical cancer.
For more information about HPV including FAQs visit: HPV vaccine - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)
The vaccine is available through specialist sexual-health services and HIV clinics to men who are 45 or younger and who are gay or bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).
MMR Vaccine
School Entry Review is part of the Healthy Child Wales Progrramme (Welsh Government WG 2016) which is offered to all children in Wales.
- School entry health review inform sheet
- Review of your child’s immunisation status
- Distance vision screening at schools
- Measurement of growth at school (height and weight)
- Hearing screening (undertaken by the audiology department)
Accidents are a leading cause of death and serious injury for children and young people, with many of these accidents being preventable.
“Accident prevention is not about restricting children or wrapping them up in cotton wool, instead it is about creating safer environments, both in the home and elsewhere, to enable children to thrive and lead a healthy active life.”
The term Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is used to describe a wide range of traumatic events that children can be exposed to while growing up but that are remembered throughout adulthood.
These include neglect and physical, verbal and sexual abuse along with harms that affect the environment in which the child lives such as exposure to domestic violence, family breakdown, and living in a home affected by substance abuse, mental illness or criminal behaviour.
Alcohol
Asthma affects the airways (the small breathing tubes) that carry air in and out of the lungs. Children and young people with asthma have airways that are more sensitive than normal. Although there is no cure for asthma there are effective treatments that can be used to control the symptoms.
Respiratory specialist nurses: 01633 238906
Training
Free training for schools on www.allergywise.org.uk
Takes approximately 45 minutes
Care plans
4 different ones available 1 for each AAI and 1 if child only prescribed antihistamine.
Adrenaline
3 makes of adrenaline auto injector AAI
Epipen www.epipen.co.uk
Emerade www.emerade.com
Free trainer pens and leaflets can be ordered from the website for Epipen and Emerade.
Jext www.jext.co.uk
Trainer pens for Jext should be given to patients when first prescribed
Otherwise there is a small cost.
Health professionals can order 1 free
Leaflets available free.
“People with Autism or Asperger syndrome may appear to behave unusually. There will generally be a reason for this: it can be an attempt to communicate, or a way of coping with a particular situation.” The National Autistic Society
Bedwetting
Daytime Wetting
Causes can sometimes include:
- constipation – when the bowel is over full, it can press on the bladder, causing it to leak urine into underwear
- bladder infections
- an overactive bladder
- stress or anxiety
Constipation and/or soiling
- Poor diet or fluid intake
- Medication
- Illness
- Avoidance or withholding a stool
- Anxiety due to pain.
How can we help
- Offer support and advice to school age children and young people who have daytime wetting or soiling
- Offer advice to school staff to manage a child’s continence difficulty in school
- Refer children and young people to specialist continence clinics (in some areas) or to their GP if necessary.
If you are concerned about a child or young person with an acute illness please contact your GP, or call NHS Direct Wales
Should I send my child to school today?
Designed to Smile is a national oral health improvement programme to improve the dental health of children in Wales. This programme involves the delivery of School/ Nursery based tooth brushing and fluoride vanish programmes for children aged 3-5 helping establish good habits early on. Also children aged 6-11 will receive a Fissure Sealant programme as well as preventative advice on how to look after their oral health.
Advice for Families
- Brush teeth twice daily for two minutes ( morning and at bedtime)
- Babies should have their teeth cleaned as soon as teeth appear in their mouth
- Children over 3 should use a pea sized amount of toothpaste containing 1350- 1500 parts per million (ppm) This can be found on the ingredients on the tube
- Spit out excess toothpaste but do not rinse. Rinsing with water after tooth brushing will wash away the fluoride and make it less effective
- Supervise tooth brushing until your child is 7 or 8 years to ensure they are brushing their teeth properly and for about 2 minutes
- Try and limit sugar containing foods and drinks to mealtimes and not between meals.
- Ensure your child has a healthy snacks and drinks, choose nutritious foods such as plain yogurt, cheese, fruit or raw vegetables. Vegetables such as celery, help remove food and help saliva neutralise plaque causing acids.
- Visit a dentist at least once a year. NHS dental care is FREE
www.diabetes.org.uk (Diabetes UK).
www.jdrf.org.uk (Junior Diabetes Research Foundation).
www.jdrft1.org.uk (Junior Diabetes Research Foundation for Teenagers with Diabetes).
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/ (NHS Choices – Diabetes).
Medicalconditionsatschool.org.uk (Care plans for schools)
www.lillydiabetes.co.uk/patients (Information leaflets)
Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse - Owen 01633 234525
You may be curious about drugs and/or feel pressured by friends to try drugs.
- Class A eg heroin and ecstasy
- Class B eg cannabis and amphetamines
- Class C eg anabolic steroids and benzodiazapines (tranquillisers)
Dermatology Nurse Specialist - Heulwen Wyatt 01633 656222
Good mental health enables children and young people to lead happier lives, find it easier to learn, enjoy friendships and ultimately fulfil their potential.
The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. (Mental Health Foundation 2016)
Childhood, and the transition into a becoming an adult, can often be a challenging time. Young people today can face stressful situations and unfamiliar challenges such as; exams, new relationships and the impact of social media. Many young people feel confused and unsure how to express how they are feeling and where to get help.
Most people experience low moods, from time to time. Occasionally, these feelings may become more intense and may start to impact on their day-to-day lives.
Your GP or School Nurse will also be able to provide you with further advice on referrals to specialist services and local agencies. If you are worried about your child’s emotional or mental health please speak to your GP.
Roald Dahl Children’s Epilepsy Nurse Specialists - Hannah Pennington, Pip Daisley, Katie Spender, Jenny Barber: 01633 234128
It's best to introduce the topic of puberty to your child as young as you are comfortable with, so they know about it before they start developing and may worry about their changing bodies physically and emotionally. Let your child know you’re always happy to answer any questions they have or if they prefer suggest they talk to another family member or trusted adult - maybe an older brother or sister. Children will get information whether it is from the TV, magazines or friends, however this information may be confusing or may be not be accurate.
Ask your child’s class teacher about the lessons they will have on this topic and when they will happen. You can tailor your talk based on what they will learn/have already. If parents are able to talk to their children they can make sense of the information and reduce anxiety.
If you have any questions you can discuss this with your child’s classroom teacher or school nurse.
Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair. Un- hatched eggs are darker in colour and usually take 7-10 days to hatch. Hatched eggs (Nits) are the empty eggs cases that appear white in colour and attach to hair that head lice hatch from. You only have head lice if you can find a living, moving louse (not a nit) on the scalp. Head lice are a common problem, particularly in school children aged 4-11. They are harmless, but can live in the hair for a long time if not treated and can be irritating and frustrating.
Can you stop them?
Childhood is an important time to develop a healthy body and healthy habits.
Think about portion sizes
5 a day
School lunches
Keeping hydrated
The hearing test on your child in reception class is carried out by the community audiology department. You will be informed of any concerns and a referral may be made for a further audiology appointment.
If a hearing problem is undetected it can affect a child’s progress with speech, attention and literacy skills. Noisy environments may mean that it is difficult for the child to hear well.
If your child has any difficulty hearing it is therefore important to let your child’s class teacher know, so that that are able to sit them near to the teacher or where there are less sounds to distract them. It may also be necessary for them to have instructions repeated during a lesson. If you are concerned regarding your child’s hearing, you can contact your School Nurse who can refer your child to the community audiology department. You can also speak with your child’s GP who can examine the inner ear.
Spotting signs of a hearing problem
- Inattentiveness or poor concentration
- Not responding when their name is called
- Can the child respond from a different room?
- Talking loudly and listening to the television at a high volume
- Is your child saying “what “or “Pardon” a lot?
- Does your child appear to hear better when looking directly at their parent?
- Do they suffer from recurrent colds/ear infections?
- Is there a family history of hearing problems?
- Are parents concerned?
- Is your child’s school concerned?
Long-term conditions are health conditions that require ongoing management over a period of years.
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Epilepsy
- Eczema
- Severe allergies/anaphylaxis
Around 10-15% of children under 16 are affected by chronic, long term health conditions.
How we can help
Being active has many benefits including helping to maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress and promoting sleep.
Children and young people between the ages of 5-19 should take part in 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
This may include:
- Walking to school
- Playing in the playground
- Taking a dog for a walk
- Skateboarding or Rollerblading
- Cycling
- Playing a team sport such as football, hockey or rounders
- Dancing
- Running
It is important to not sit for too long and to minimise the length of time that children and young people spend on computer games and watching TV.
www.asthma.org.uk (Asthma UK)
www.anaphylaxiscampaign.org.uk
Respiratory specialist nurses: Christine Llewellyn 01633238906 and Rhiannon Griffin 01633 238906
Paediatric Respiratory Nurse Specialist: Kathy Lorentz 01633 238906
School Entry Review is part of the Healthy Child Wales Progrramme (Welsh Government WG 2016) which is offered to all children in Wales.
- School entry health review inform sheet
- Review of your child’s immunisation status
- Distance vision screening at schools
- Measurement of growth at school (height and weight)
- Hearing screening (undertaken by the audiology department)
It is important for young people to have the right information about how to look after themselves, how to stay safe and make the right health choices.
Sleep is an important part of a child’s day and a good sleep hygiene routine can be beneficial to a child’s development. There are things that parents and carers can do to improve their child’s sleep.
Be clear about how much sleep your child needs, they may want to stay up late, but, will this impact on their behaviour tomorrow when it’s time to get up for school and will they be able to function to their full potential?
When setting bedtimes, explain these to your child during the day. Don’t wait until the time you want your child to settle and then announce “Bed time!” Give your child a regular routine that will help them to wind down. Ensure your child knows bedtime is not a punishment, make it a calm, enjoyable time with activities such as a bath and or story. Avoid stimulating activities such as TV or computer games.
- Be consistent
- Try not to get into negotiations
- Follow your new routine
- Use reward charts to demonstrate any progress
- Be patient, change takes time
Increasingly children and young people are spending a lot of time using the internet to help them with their school work and homework in order to help them learn.
A lot of parents feel that their children know a lot more about the internet than they do. It is important that parent’s know their child still needs advice and protection when it come to being safe online. Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe.
Smoking is bad for your health and increases your risk of getting many serious diseases.
Being out in the sunshine has benefits for your health. It makes people feel better about themselves, allows them to use vitamin D and gives increased opportunity to take physical activity.
What are threadworms?
They are the common worm parasite in children in the UK, affecting up to half of all under 10s. The risk to family members getting them from an affected child is as high as 75%.
How do you get threadworms?
They are passed on by poor hygiene, not washing your hands after going to the toilet or coming into contact with objects contaminated by the worm’s eggs. It is possible to breathe in the eggs and then swallow them. The eggs are so small that they can become airborne, for example if you shake a towel or bed sheet that has eggs on it.
Children touch and then swallow the tiny worm eggs without realising it. The worms hatch in the gut, then wriggle out of a person’s bottom at night to lay more eggs.
The female threadworm lays tiny eggs around the anus and vagina. It also secretes mucus that makes you scratch the area.
The eggs get stuck to your fingers or under your nails and then they can be transferred to the mouth for the whole process to start again. Or you could transfer the eggs to someone else by touching them or touching a surface, which they then touch.
Threadworm eggs can survive on surfaces for up to three weeks.
Treatment
You can get rid of them by following strict hygiene measures for up to six weeks. Ensuring children wash their hands regularly, particularly after going to the toilet and before meals.
You can use treatments from your GP or over the counter from pharmacies.
Treatment alone does not kill threadworm eggs - good hygiene is the one way to prevent eggs from spreading and causing another infection.
Ticks are common in grass, trees, shrubs and leaf piles. Tick bites are often harmless in which case they don’t cause any noticeable symptoms. However, ticks can cause allergic reactions and can pass diseases onto humans and pets when they bite.
The longer the tick remains on the skin, the higher the risk of it passing on infection. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread by infected ticks. Ensure you seek medical advice immediately if you child has a tick bite.
As part of the School Entry Review your School Nurse will carry out a distance vision screening test.
A young carer is a person under the age of 18 years who provides care for another person, most commonly a parent or sibling. This is because that person has an illness, disability, mental health problem or problems with addiction to alcohol or drugs.
- Cooking
- Giving personal care
- Giving emotional support
- Shopping
- Cleaning
It is important that young carers and their families receive support.
It may be reassuring to know that you are not alone. Around half a million teenagers wet the bed at night – that equals one in 75 teenagers.
Domestic abuse also called domestic violence, is when an adult threatens, bullies or hurts another adult who are or have been a partner or family member, regardless of gender or sexuality. It can happen to anybody.
Abuse can be physical, sexual, financial and emotional. You may feel that you are to blame and may feel angry, guilty, insecure and frightened. It is unacceptable for this to occur and so if you or someone you know is affected by this you need to discuss it with someone you trust. Always remember if you are concerned about your or someone elses safety call the police. You can also speak to a health professional or your teacher.
- Just as people’s bodies can become unwell, people’s minds can become unwell too. Mental health problems are more common than you might think - three children in every classroom have a mental health problem (Young Minds, 2017).
- Lots of young people feel upset, confused and stressed from time-to-time. But when a low mood is impacting on your day-to-day life, it’s important to talk to somebody about it and get some help and advice.
- If you are finding it difficult to talk to someone or would like some more information on a topic that is worrying you, take a look at some of the links provided on this page.
- Your GP, School or School Nurse will also be able to provide additional support and information on local services in your area.