All children and young people deserve to be as fit and healthy as possible to gain the maximum benefit from their education and reach their maximum potential.
All Newcastle schools have a named School Health Advisor. The School Health Advisors are registered nurses with specialist knowledge and skills relating to the health and wellbeing of children and young people. There are four teams across the City based in local clinics and they have close links with Community Paediatricians, GPs, health visitors and other professionals who care for children.
With parental agreement the School Health Advisor can provide a link between home and school and act on the child’s behalf.
The school health advisor teams provide health promoting activities on a range of issues including diet and nutrition, physical activity, emotional well-being, puberty, smoking and substance misuse and sexual health. They work to create an environment that promotes healthy living and deliver Personal Health and Social Education within schools. They offer health related advice and information to children and young people to enable them to make informed health and lifestyle choices. The nurse will also provide information, advice and support on health issues to teachers and parents.
School Health Advisors run a ‘Health 4U’ drop-in service in all Newcastle schools offering confidential health advice for children and young people. They are also happy to talk to parents and carers about any concerns they may have regarding their child.
Routine screening of height, weight, vision and hearing is offered to all children within the first year of school. Screening of vision is also offered in years 5 and 8 and measuring of height and weight is offered again in year 6. Should any problems be identified appropriate follow-up and referral can be made.
You can contact the School Health Advisor at any time during your child’s school life either through your child’s school office or contact the school health clinic bases listed below.
Newbiggin Hall Clinic
0191 219 4815
Lemington Clinic
0191 267 4329
Geoffrey Rhodes Centre
0191 219 4666
Cruddas Park Clinic
0191 219 5503
Page last updated: 16 August, 2011
