Public Health

General Healthcare Advice 

Asthma Support for Parents and Carers 

If your child has asthma, it is important that they receive regular reviews and have an up-to-date asthma action plan. The NHS Asthma website provides trusted information on asthma symptoms, treatment, inhalers, managing asthma at home and school, and what to do if your child's symptoms worsen. 

We encourage parents and carers to visit the NHS website for advice and support: Asthma - NHS 

If you are worried about your child's symptoms, please contact your GP practice for advice. For urgent medical concerns when you are unsure what to do, contact NHS 111. In an emergency, such as severe breathing difficulties or an asthma attack that is not improving, call 999 immediately. 

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Diabetes Support for Parents and Carers 

Spot the Signs of Type 1 Diabetes: The 4Ts 

Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly in children and young people. Recognising the signs early and seeking treatment promptly can help prevent serious illness. The Diabetes UK 4Ts campaign helps parents and carers remember the four most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes: 

  • Toilet – going to the toilet more often 

  • Thirsty – being unusually thirsty 

  • Tired – feeling more tired than usual 

  • Thinner – unexplained weight loss 

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, contact your GP practice promptly and ask for a diabetes test.  

Find out more about the 4Ts campaign: Type 1 diabetes symptoms | Diabetes UK 

Support for Children and Young People Living with Diabetes 

Children and young people with diabetes can lead full, active lives with the right support and management. This includes regular monitoring, taking medication or insulin as prescribed, attending routine healthcare appointments, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

While type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in children, type 2 diabetes can also occur, particularly in older children and young people. Both conditions require ongoing support and regular review by healthcare professionals.  

Parents and carers can access trusted information about living with diabetes, treatment, technology, healthy lifestyles, and support for children and young people through Diabetes UK: Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children | Diabetes UK 

If you are concerned about your child's symptoms or diabetes management, please contact your GP practice or diabetes team. For urgent medical advice, contact NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999 immediately. 

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Childhood Vaccinations 

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious infectious diseases. The NHS childhood vaccination programme helps protect children against a range of illnesses and reduces the spread of infections within schools and the wider community. It is important that children receive their vaccinations at the recommended ages, but if a vaccine has been missed, it is usually possible to catch up through your GP practice.  

Parents and carers can find information about the childhood vaccination schedule and the vaccines recommended for their child on the NHS website: NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS  

Measles Update 

Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads very easily and can make children seriously unwell. In some cases, it can lead to complications requiring hospital treatment. Due to ongoing measles outbreaks, parents and carers are encouraged to check that their child is up to date with their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination, which provides effective protection against measles. 

 Further information about the MMR vaccine can be found here: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS 

If you have any questions about your child's vaccinations, please contact your GP practice.  

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Is My Child Too Ill for School? 

It can sometimes be difficult to know whether your child is well enough to attend school. The NHS provides guidance on common childhood illnesses, including fever, coughs and colds, sickness and diarrhoea, chickenpox and other infections, helping parents and carers decide when a child should stay at home and when it is safe for them to return to school. 

Parents and carers can access NHS guidance here: Is my child too ill for school? - NHS  

If your child is unwell and you are concerned about their symptoms, please seek advice from your GP practice, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. 

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NHS 111 

If you are worried about your child's health and are not sure what to do, NHS 111 can provide advice and direct you to the most appropriate service. The service is available 24 hours a day and can help with urgent medical concerns that are not life-threatening. 

Parents and carers can access advice online or by telephone: Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111  

For immediate, life-threatening emergencies such as severe breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, or suspected serious illness or injury, call 999 immediately. 

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Think Pharmacy First 

Did you know that pharmacies can now provide NHS consultations and, where appropriate, treatment for seven common conditions?  

Six of these conditions are particularly relevant to school-aged children, meaning your child may be able to receive the care and medication they need without needing a GP appointment. 

Please see below for the conditions that can be assessed and treated through the NHS Pharmacy First service. 

 

Impetigo – people aged 1 year & older. 

Infected insect bite – people aged 1 year & older. 

Sore throat – people aged 5 years & older. 

Sinusitis – people aged 12 years & older. 

Acute otitis media – people aged 1 to 17 years. 

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – women aged 16 to 64 years. 

Shingles – people aged 18 years & older. 

To find the closest pharmacy near you, please see: Find a pharmacy - NHS 

Most pharmacies offer the NHS Pharmacy First service, but not all. We recommend contacting the pharmacy before visiting to confirm that they provide Pharmacy First. 

 

To find out more information about this service, please see: Introducing Pharmacy First | Healthwatch Enfield 

NHS England » Pharmacy First 

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School Nursing Service 

The School Nursing Service supports children and young people with their health, wellbeing and development throughout their school years. School nurses can provide advice and support on a range of issues, including managing medical conditions, emotional wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, sleep, continence, and concerns about a child's health or development. 

The service works closely with schools, families and other healthcare professionals to help children and young people achieve the best possible health outcomes. 

Parents and carers who would like advice or support can contact the School Nursing Service directly or speak to their child's school for more information about local services. 

If you are concerned about your child's health and need medical advice, please contact your GP practice or NHS 111. In a medical emergency, call 999 immediately. 

Medicines for Children 

Giving medicines to children can sometimes feel confusing, especially when starting a new medicine or if your child is unwell. Medicines for Children provides trusted, easy-to-understand information about a wide range of medicines commonly prescribed for babies, children and young people, including how to give medicines safely, possible side effects, and answers to frequently asked questions. 

Parents and carers can access free medicine information leaflets here: Leaflets - Medicines For Children 

These leaflets are designed to support, but not replace, advice from your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. If you have questions about your child's medication, please speak to your pharmacist, GP practice, or the healthcare professional who prescribed it. 

If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing a side effect or allergic reaction to a medicine, seek medical advice promptly. Contact NHS 111 for urgent advice or call 999 immediately if your child is experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or becoming unresponsive. 

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Healthy Lifestyle Advice  

School Health Service 
The School Health Service supports the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people throughout their school years. School nurses and other healthcare professionals can provide advice and support on a wide range of topics, including healthy eating, healthy weight, sleep, emotional wellbeing, bullying, online safety, puberty, relationships, smoking and vaping, and substance misuse. They can also work with families, schools and other services to ensure that children and young people receive the support they need.  

The service offers confidential advice for young people, guidance for parents and carers, and can help signpost or refer to specialist support when needed.  

School nursing service in Enfield - Royal Free London 
 
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Healthy eating  
Food gives your body and brain the energy they need to learn, play, grow and stay healthy. Making small healthy choices, such as eating more fruit and vegetables, drinking plenty of water and eating regular meals, can help you feel your best every day. 

The websites below provide practical tips, healthy recipes, advice for families, and simple ways to build healthy eating habits. They can help you understand what a balanced diet looks like and how healthy choices can fit into everyday life. 
 
- Eat well - NHS 
- Healthier Families - Home - NHS 
 
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Oral health 
Looking after your teeth now can help keep your smile healthy for life. Brushing your teeth twice a day, cutting down on sugary snacks and drinks, and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent tooth decay and gum problems. 

The resources below include expert advice on caring for your teeth, guidance for families, and information about healthy brushing habits. They also explain how to prevent common dental problems and when to seek dental care. 
 
- FAMILIES | BRUSH Toolkit - Correct toothbrushing advice and the supervised toothbrushing program 
 
- Children's teeth - NHS - NHS Children's Teeth and Dental Health 

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Vaping 
You may see vaping talked about online or among friends, but it's important to know the facts. Learning about the health risks of vaping and how to deal with peer pressure can help you make choices that are right for you. 

The links below provide reliable information about vaping, nicotine addiction, and the effects vaping can have on health. They also offer advice on handling peer pressure and where to get support if you are worried about your own vaping or someone else's. 

 
- FRANK & 10 ways to deal with peer pressure | FRANK 
- NHS vaping information for young people 

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Mental health & wellbeing 
Everyone has good days and difficult days. Looking after your mental wellbeing, talking about your feelings and knowing where to get support can help you cope with challenges and build confidence and resilience. 

The websites and services below offer information, self-help tools, and support for a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns. Whether you are feeling stressed, anxious, low, or simply want to learn more about wellbeing, these resources can help you find advice and support. 
 
- Every Mind Matters - NHS  
- YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | Young Minds  
- Childline 
- Kooth app  

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Sexual health 
Reliable information can help people understand topics such as puberty, consent, healthy relationships and sexual health, so they can make informed decisions they are happy with whilst staying safe. 
 
- NHS Sexual Health 
- Find young people's sexual health services - NHS 
- ECHO Young People's Services (13-18 years). 

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Physical activity and exercise 
Being active is good for both your body and your mind. Whether you enjoy sports, dancing, cycling, walking or simply playing with friends, regular physical activity can help improve your fitness, mood, energy levels and concentration. 

The information below includes ideas for getting active, recommended activity levels for different age groups, and practical ways to build movement into your daily routine. The resources can help you find activities that are enjoyable and suited to your interests. 

 
- Physical activity guidelines for children and young people - NHS   
- Better Health Active 
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Sleep hygiene 
Getting enough sleep helps you learn, focus and feel your best. Creating healthy sleep habits, such as having a regular bedtime and limiting screen time before bed, can help you get the rest your body and brain need. 

The resources below explain why sleep is important and provide practical advice for improving sleep habits. They include tips for managing common sleep difficulties and developing routines that support healthy sleep. 
 
- Resources for Young People - The Sleep Charity  
- NHS sleep advice 

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Online safety and Digital wellbeing 
Spending time online can be a great way to learn, connect with others and have fun. Understanding how to stay safe online, protect your personal information and balance screen time with other activities can help you enjoy the internet safely. 

 
- NSPCC Online Safety 
- Internet Matters 
- Childnet 
- UK Safer Internet Centre 

 

 

Health protection