The number of school nurses in Camden is set to double over the next three years to help tackle health inequalities.

As part of Camden Council’s health and wellbeing strategy the number will rise from 13 to 26.

The new service is likely to offer more individual appointments, extra classroom-based learning about keeping healthy, and more support to schools to help promote health and wellbeing.

Cllr Pat Callaghan, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “School nursing is a fundamental health service offered to every child and young person in Camden and it is fantastic that the council has been able to work with NHS Camden to double the number of nurses in our schools in the next three years.

“This will ensure that Camden children get the support they need to grow up both physically and mentally healthy.

“It will increase our ability to support a range of health issues such as reducing teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol use and childhood obesity, mental health, and to ensure all school children receive their vaccinations.”

The service, which is being provided by Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust and funded by the NHS, follows a review of Camden’s school nursing service earlier this year when 100 children, parents and schools were interviewed.