School nursing is one such area. A role I think is often overlooked but has a significant impact on the lives of some of our most vulnerable children, many of whom may be care experienced or affected by trauma. They work to give school aged children and young people the best opportunity to develop and maintain as healthy lives. For a shining example of this practice, we need look no further than the recent winners of RCN Scotland Children's Nursing and Midwifery Award.

The NHS Tayside School Nursing Service, stands as a beacon of excellence, leading the way in delivering innovative, compassionate, and highly specialised care for school-aged children and young people. Since the Scottish Government’s transformation of the school nursing service in 2017, this dedicated team has embraced their expanded roles with enthusiasm and professionalism, rising to meet the complex needs of today’s young people. The service operates across Perth and Kinross, Dundee, and Angus, delivering care through ten nationally identified priority areas, including mental health, child protection, homelessness, and substance misuse.

To practise as a specialist school nurse, registered nurses must complete the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) qualification—a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree that equips them with the advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills required for the modern role. This rigorous academic achievement, often completed alongside full-time work and family responsibilities, reflects the extraordinary commitment of the Tayside team and of school nurse across Scotland. 

NHS Tayside’s model has been recognised as “exemplary” by academic partners at Robert Gordon University and celebrated nationally for its forward-thinking approach. A core focus of the service is mental health and emotional wellbeing. With increasing demand on child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), the team has stepped up to deliver Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions, becoming trained in Decider Skills, a cognitive behavioural therapy-based approach that empowers children and young people to manage their own emotions using creative and engaging tools. These evidence-based early interventions are already showing a profound impact—boosting resilience, reducing mental health issues, and preventing CAMHS referrals.

Recognised by peers, partners, and national leaders, NHS Tayside school nurses are true pioneers in school health. Their unwavering dedication, clinical expertise, and compassionate practice make them a model for school nursing services across the UK. Their story is one of transformation, resilience, and above all—heart.