School Nurse

Role Purpose

The School Nurse plays a vital role in promoting and safeguarding the physical and emotional wellbeing of students within a therapeutic educational setting. Working closely with students who may have complex health needs, learning difficulties and emotional or mental health challenges, the nurse provides high-quality, person-centred care that supports each student’s ability to access and thrive in education.

This role not only clinical but also relational embedded within a multidisciplinary team that adopts a trauma informed, therapeutic approach. The school nurse will contribute to the holistic development of students by offering medical expertise, supporting emotional regulation, promoting healthy lifestyles and building trusted relationships that foster safety, resilience and independence.

Context of cohort:
The learners you will be working with have a diagnosis of ASD or Global Delay and have sensory needs. Most of our learners need support with self and intimate care. We support our learners with transport and keeping safe in college and the community. All our learners are working within pre KS1 or KS1 Curriculum level for English and Maths. They are well supported by visuals and have communication needs. Our learners need sensory and well-resourced practical activities and are developing skills of working in a group to ensure social development but also benefit from the availability of quiet spaces and 1-1 activities.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care
• Deliver and oversee nursing care, as appropriate, for learners with complex needs, including hygiene support.
• Provide first aid and emergency care as needed, including administering medication and managing care plans (IHPs) for learners with health conditions.
• Assess and respond to day-to-day medical needs, illness and injuries.
• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records in line with GDPR and safeguarding protocols.
• Liaise with GPs, CAMHS, social care and other health professionals to support integrated care for students.

Therapeutic and Pastoral Support
• Contribute to therapeutic care planning and participate in student review meetings.
• Work collaboratively with the therapeutic team (including counsellors, OT’s and psychotherapists) to support students’ emotional regulation and resilience.
• Build trusting, supportive relationships with students in line with therapeutic principles
• Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns. Following internal and statutory procedures.

Health Education and Promotion
• Lead health promotion initiatives and deliver health education sessions on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, sexual health and emotional wellbeing.
• Support and train staff on medical protocols, emergency procedures and relevant healthcare topics. Collaboration and Communication
• Communicate effectively with parents, carers and external agencies about student health issues
• Participate in multi-agency and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Uphold a student-centred, non-judgemental and trauma-informed approach in all interactions.

Skills and Abilities
• Clinical Competence – Strong clinical nursing skills including assessment, wound care, medication administration and managing long term health conditions
• Therapeutic Communication- Ability to build trusting, compassionate relationships with students, using calm, non judgmental and empathetic approach.
• Trauma-informed Practice – understanding of how trauma affects behaviour and health, ability to respond sensitively and appropriately to students with complex emotional needs.
• Safeguarding Awareness – sound understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures, with ability to recognise and act on concerns promptly.
• Collaboration – skilled in working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including education, therapeutic and external healthcare professionals.
• Health Promotion- ability to design deliver effective health education sessions on relevant topics e.g. hygiene, emotional wellbeing and nutrition.
• Organisation and record keeping – strong administrative skills with the ability to maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Adaptability – ability to respond flexibly and calmly in dynamic and sometimes challenging environments.
• Advocacy – Able to advocate effectively for students’ health and wellbeing needs within the educational setting.
• Cultural competence – Respectful and inclusive approach that recognises the diverse backgrounds and identities of students and families.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Child, Adult or mental Health) with active NMC registration
• Experience working with children or young people, preferably in an educational, therapeutic or SEN setting
• Knowledge of common medical and mental health conditions affecting young people.
• Competence in managing complex medical needs, including manual handling.
• Up-to-date training in first aid, medication administration and safeguarding & child protection legislation.

Desirable
• Experience in a trauma-informed or therapeutic setting.
• Training in mental health first aid or emotional regulation strategies.
• Familiarity with EHCP’s (Education, Health and Care Plans)

Behaviours and Attitudes

• Student Centred – Always places the needs, dignity and voice of the student at the heart of practice.
• Empathy and compassion – Demonstrate genuine care and understanding for students with complex health and emotional needs.
• Professional integrity – Maintains high standards of honesty, confidentiality and ethical conduct at all times.
• Emotional Resilience – Manages stress calmly and constructively maintains professional boundaries in emotionally demanding situations.
• Commitment to inclusion – Values diversity and promotes equity, respect and dignity for all students regardless of background or ability.
• Responsiveness – able to adapt behaviour and support strategies to meet individual student needs in a sensitive and respectful manner.
• Commitment to safeguarding – Demonstrates a vigilant, proactive attitude toward the safety and wellbeing of young people.