Sharp decline in school nurses and health visitors threatens children's long-term health
A new King's Fund report warns that the sharp drop in school nurses and health visitors could leave a generation of children dependent on NHS treatment later in life.
The King's Fund’s latest report highlights a dramatic reduction in England’s school nursing and health-visiting workforce, with full-time equivalent positions dropping from 3,026 to 1,862 for school nurses and from 10,309 to 5,666 for health visitors. This contraction forces the remaining staff to devote more time to safeguarding duties, reducing capacity for preventive care that could catch health issues early. Consequently, children are more likely to develop severe obesity, dental problems, mental-health distress and unmanaged chronic illnesses.
The study warns that teachers, already under pressure, may have to assume some health-related responsibilities without adequate training. Funding for these preventive services has been cut by 16% in real terms since 2016/17, and some local authorities have even discontinued the services altogether.
Why it matters
Fewer school nurses and health visitors mean early health problems in children may go untreated, increasing future NHS demand.
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