Children, young people, parents and carers have been supported throughout the Covid-19 pandemic by Walsall School Nursing Service – and that invaluable help will continue now that schools are re-opening.

School nurses have been holding regular telephone and video consultations, as well as virtual workshops, which parents in particular have been accessing over the last few months. And with schools re-opening they are working with Public Health colleagues to ensure school staff can call on them for advice and guidance as they work to provide a safe return.

Sallyann Sutton, Professional Lead for School Nursing with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are expecting to see an increase in children and young people experiencing anxiety or  having suffered a bereavement after what has been an extremely challenging time for them.

“We will be working with our colleagues from CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and educational psychology to offer therapeutic support. We are also preparing to see an increase in referrals of children needing Early Help or safeguarding. We will be ready to work as part of multi-agency teams to support children, ensure they have access to healthcare and to keep them safe.

“Many young people will be making the transition to secondary school and it is important that they know who their School Nurse is and how to access them as they become more independent and responsible for their health and wellbeing.”

Sallyann added that the service would also be supporting school staff.

“They have been focused on providing a safe environment for young people and enable them to return to school and we want to reassure them that we’re here for them too if they need any support.”