School Nurse Vacancy - Independent Prep School in Westminster in London

An opportunity within an independent preparatory school in London has just become available! An independent preparatory school in Westminster is seeking to appoint an experienced and compassionate School Nurse to join its medical, pastoral and administrative team. This is a varied position for a qualified paediatric nurse who can combine high-quality medical care with strong safeguarding awareness, excellent organisation and a calm, professional approach when working with pupils, parents and colleagues.

The School Nurse will have overall responsibility for supporting the health and wellbeing of pupils throughout the school day. Acting as the lead First Aider, the postholder will respond to illness, accidents and emergencies while providing ongoing support to pupils with medical conditions.

The role will include:

• Providing first aid and responding to injuries, illness and medical emergencies.
• Managing Individual Healthcare Plans and supporting pupils with long-term medical conditions.
• Administering and monitoring prescribed and emergency medication, including inhalers and EpiPens.
• Assessing pupils who become unwell and determining whether they are fit to remain at school.
• Maintaining comprehensive and confidential medical records.
• Ensuring medical equipment and first aid supplies are appropriately maintained.
• Preparing medical information, risk assessments and PEEPs where required.
• Supporting pupils with medical needs during PE, trips, residential visits and other activities.
• Coordinating health checks, vaccinations and other school health programmes.
• Deputising for the College School Nurse when required.

The successful candidate will play an important role within the school's wider pastoral and safeguarding structure. They will work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Head (Pastoral), senior staff and external healthcare professionals, exercising appropriate judgement when dealing with confidential information and ensuring that pupil welfare remains the priority.

The School Nurse will also contribute to the review and implementation of medical policies, including those relating to first aid, administration of medicines, medical conditions, health and safety, risk assessments and educational visits.

The role carries significant responsibility for ensuring that pupils with allergies and medically related dietary requirements are appropriately supported. The postholder will:

• Maintain accurate records of allergies and medical dietary requirements.
• Ensure relevant staff are aware of individual pupil needs.
• Liaise with the catering team regarding allergen procedures and dietary requirements.
• Monitor arrangements during break and lunchtime.
• Ensure allergy lanyards and associated records remain accurate.
• Attend allergen briefings and monitor compliance with agreed procedures.
• Escalate allergen incidents and near misses appropriately.

The School Nurse will support the development of medical awareness across the school by providing or coordinating staff training. This may include training relating to:

• First Aid
• Anaphylaxis and allergy awareness
• EpiPen administration
• Inhaler use
• Epilepsy and seizure management
• Other pupil-specific medical requirements

Training records will be maintained and the postholder will ensure that required training is renewed within appropriate timescales.

Strong communication with parents is an essential part of the position. The School Nurse will provide timely updates regarding pupil illness, injuries, medication, medical appointments, vaccinations, health checks, infectious diseases and Individual Healthcare Plans. A reassuring and professional manner will be particularly important when communicating with parents about a child's health or wellbeing.

The position also includes an administrative element, with the School Nurse providing support to the school office when required. Responsibilities may include:

• Providing confidential data entry and administrative support.
• Responding to telephone and face-to-face enquiries.
• Operating the school switchboard and passing on messages.
• Supporting general school administration.
• Assisting with school events, meetings and hospitality.
• Providing cover for the Office Manager when necessary.

The school is looking for a qualified and experienced professional who demonstrates:

• A recognised qualification and current registration as a Paediatric Nurse.
• Experience working within a preparatory or primary school, ideally in a medical or first aid capacity.
• A First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake appropriate training.
• A strong understanding of nursing legislation, safeguarding and healthcare procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong IT skills, including confidence using Word and Excel.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to manage sensitive information confidentially.
• Sound clinical judgement and the confidence to make appropriate decisions.
• A flexible, proactive and solution-focused approach.
• A commitment to continuing professional development.
• The ability to build positive and professional relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and external professionals.
• High levels of integrity, reliability and professionalism.

This position offers an experienced paediatric nurse the opportunity to become an integral part of a school community and make a meaningful contribution to the health, safety, safeguarding and wellbeing of children. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to combine clinical expertise with pastoral care, staff development, safeguarding and school administration within a supportive independent-school environment.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the school's safeguarding policies and procedures and will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment and safeguarding checks.

Location: Westminster
Contract: Full-time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
School: Independent Preparatory School