8 Acknowledged

School nurses can play a crucial role in helping girls recognise menstrual problems and provide...

Conclusion
School nurses can play a crucial role in helping girls recognise menstrual problems and provide a necessary, early pathway to appropriate care. However, the school nurse system has seen a substantial overall reduction in funding over many years and is now severely under-resourced. Many pupils have no access at all to a school nurse. (Conclusion, Paragraph 44)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the crucial role of school nurses and their under-resourcing, stating that the refreshed Women’s Health Strategy will aim to improve provision, and NHS England has committed to increasing school nurse numbers by 2030 as part of the Long Term Workforce Plan.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Government accepts recommendations 8 and 9. The government recognises the crucial role school nurses play in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people, including in identifying and addressing menstrual problems early. The refreshed Women’s Health Strategy will include an aim to improve the provision of school nurses, particularly in more deprived areas where the need is often greatest. This aligns with the government’s commitment to prevention and community-based care goals, as outlined in the 10-year Health Plan. NHS England has already committed to increasing the number of school nurses by 2030 as part of the Long Term Workforce Plan. This will involve investments in recruitment, training, and retention of school nurses, with a focus on areas with the greatest health inequalities. Improving early access to care through school nurses can reduce the risk of symptoms worsening, lead to better health outcomes, and reduce the long-term health and economic costs associated with delayed treatment. The government believes that investment in school nursing will lead to significant savings over the longer term and contribute to a healthier future for all girls and young women.
Addressee Bodies
Government Equalities Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.4 yrs
Report published 04 Mar 2026