The number of school nurses and health visitors in England has declined sharply over the past decade and a half, raising concerns about the long-term health prospects of children, according to a recent analysis. The workforce reductions have prompted warnings that many young people may face preventable health problems that could persist into adulthood.
Research by The King’s Fund, a health policy think tank, highlights that the school nurse workforce fell by 38 percent, decreasing from 3,026 full-time equivalent positions in January 2010 to 1,862 in June 2026. Similarly, the number of health visitors has dropped by 45 percent, from 10,309 in October 2015 to 5,666 in June 2026.
Health visitors provide support to families from pregnancy until children begin school, offering guidance on infant feeding, child development, and parental wellbeing. School nurses typically focus on children within the education system, providing lifestyle advice and identifying early signs of physical and mental health problems.
The report indicates that with fewer staff available, school nurses are increasingly occupied with child protection and safeguarding cases, limiting their ability to perform preventative work that traditionally forms a core part of their role. This shift leaves many health concerns, including obesity, dental decay, and mental distress, unattended until they reach crisis levels.
The King’s Fund warns that inadequate early intervention and preventative care could result in a generation of children with chronic health conditions, potentially increasing their lifetime dependence on the National Health Service (NHS). The report also suggests that, as health services in schools diminish, some responsibilities may shift to teachers, who may not be equipped to provide the necessary support.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health acknowledged the decline, attributing it to a decade of underinvestment. The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to rebuilding health visiting and school nurse services to better support children and families.
Experts stress that maintaining adequate numbers of trained healthcare professionals in schools is essential to addressing both current health issues and preventing future complications that could burden healthcare resources. Without sufficient support, the risk is that children’s health needs will go unmet until more serious and costly problems arise.