Service overview
Specialist School Nurses (SSN) are nurses who help children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) in schools across Berkshire. They usually support pupils up to the age of 19.
Every child or young person at these schools is automatically supported by the SSN team, so they can access nursing care as required.
We work closely with families, school staff, and other professionals to make sure pupils' health needs are looked after safely at school. We also provide training and advice for school staff, helping them feel confident in supporting pupils' health needs.
Our aim is to create a safe, caring, and supportive school environment where every pupil can enjoy learning and do their best.
Accessing our service
Our service is for children and young people who attend special educational needs (SEN) schools across Berkshire. We support pupils up to the age of 19.
You do not need a referral to get help from our service. Specialist School Nurses (SSNs) already work with children and young people who have health needs that require nursing support.
In East Berkshire, we support children at Arbour Vale School, Manor Green School, and Kennel Lane School. In West Berkshire, we support children at Addington School, Avenue School, Brookfields School, and Castle School.
School Nursing
Visit our School Nursing service for health and wellbeing advice for school-aged children and young people who attend state-maintained schools, free schools and academy schools in Bracknell Forest, Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire.
School Nursing ServicePreparing for an assessment
Your assessment will be arranged with your family and your Specialist School Nurse (SSN) at a time and place that suits you. This will usually happen over the phone, but it may be different depending on your child's needs.
During the assessment, your SSN will talk with you and your child about their health, home life, and school. They may also carry out some simple health checks, such as checking weight, heart rate, and temperature.
The assessment usually takes about one hour, but it may be shorter or longer depending on your child's needs.
You do not need to do anything special before the assessment. If possible, it can help to have:
- a list of any medicines your child takes
- the names of any professionals involved in your child's care
- any questions you would like to ask.
This helps us understand your child's needs and make the most of our time together.
Managing your health
Your e-Health Passport
Your e-Health Passport lets us know what's important to you - from your preferred name and pronouns to how you'd like us to support you and communicate with you.
Learn moreContact us and FAQs
Specialist School Nursing Service (West)
Email: SpecialistSchoolNurses@berkshire.nhs.uk Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm (term time only)
Specialist School Nursing Service (East)
Email: SSNTeamEast@berkshire.nhs.uk Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm (term time only)
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my child needs to use a medical device at school?
If your child requires the use of any medical devices, the Specialist School Nursing Service will provide you with information and advice as soon as the device is received.
We can also help you with
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member, carer, or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- Telephone interpreting
- Video remote interpreting (VRI)
- Face‑to‑face interpreting
- Written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to get information in a format that meets their needs.
The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers. This means making sure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand our information and communicate with us easily.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio
- Easy read
- Text message
- Face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed to my appointment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
What does it mean to treat our team with respect?
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This may include contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
How do I find my NHS number?
The easiest way to find your NHS number is using the official NHS online service which can be accessed below.
You may also want to read our guidance page for more information about other ways to find your NHS number or what to do if you cannot find yours.
iWantGreatCare
Did you get great care? Having your say helps care for everyone, so please give us your feedback
Provide service feedback: Have your sayRelated services
Community Children’s Nursing Service
Care, support, and advice for children and young people with complex needs at home or school to reduce hospital visits.
Community Children’s Nursing Service: Go to serviceWound Management Service
Specialist advice and treatment for skin ulcers and complex wounds, also known as the Tissue Viability Service.
Wound Management Service: Go to serviceContinence Service for children and young people
Support for under-18s with bladder or bowel problems, such as delayed toilet training, daytime wetting, and chronic constipation.
Continence Service for children and young people: Go to serviceSpeech and Language Therapy Service for children and young people
Help for children and young people up to the age of 19 whose communication and/or swallowing difficulties impact on everyday life.
Speech and Language Therapy Service for children and young people: Go to service