School Nurse

The School Nurse is employed by the Primary Care Trust within the Community Nursing Service, and is based at Bettridge School. She is also the named school nurse for other Cheltenham special schools.

The School Nurse liaises closely with parents and other professionals to provide day to day care, and to promote the health and well being of each child. Some children may require special nursing procedures and these can be included in daily routines. Certain pupils have an individual written policy for emergency procedures. Minor accidents may be dealt with in school, but any injury giving cause for concern will be referred for further medical advice. Any medications to be administered are supplied from home, under the supervision of the family doctor or paediatrician. All medicines must be correctly labelled and are kept locked in the medical room.

A liaison is maintained with members of the school team to ensure children’s general welfare. The School Nurse also works in consultation with teaching staff in the development of personal and social education programmes and other aspects of health related learning.

The School Nurse is responsible for organisation of school medicals. The School Doctor visits the school regularly and monitors children’s physical and medical needs in a clinic setting. Paediatric Consultants have regular visits to Bettridge School to see children together with the School Doctor and School Nurse.