School nurse

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who We Are

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of "Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran", we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Schools or a Registered Nurse or Midwife at degree level who would be willing to undertake the SCPHN course to join the School Nursing Service within East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership based in Kilmarnock. This post is offered on a permanent basis.

Hours

36 hours per week. Compressed hours can be considered for this post. From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full‑time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part‑time staff) without loss of earnings.

UK Driving Licence

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

What You Will Do

To work within an integrated NHS Early Years, Children and Families team, delivering services in the Home, Community and School settings. The School Nurse will work collaboratively with other health professionals and partner services in promoting the health and wellbeing of children and young people to achieve their full potential in line with Local and National policy. To deliver health and wellbeing interventions in line with the National School Nursing Pathway (2015) for school aged children, utilising clinical expertise and leadership skills within an allocated caseload which fluctuates in complexity and intensity.

Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post

• Applicants must be a 1st level Registered Nurse and a degree in a related field (e.g. Nursing, Health Studies) is desirable with evidence of further professional development.
• Excellent communication skills, a passion for improving outcomes for children, ability to be flexible and work within a large team supporting the wellbeing of children are all essential qualities.
• Current experience working with Children and Young People and working in multidisciplinary teams is desirable but not essential.
• The post holder will be well‑organised, have excellent communication skills and be passionate about improving outcomes for our children and young people.
• Be able to articulate an understanding of policy and practice affecting children and young people.
• Have experience working in multidisciplinary team.
• Have high level communication ability.
• Be motivated to learn and lead practice for School Community.
• The nursing service supports learning and development, providing team members with continual learning and development opportunities in line with changing policy and practice in Early Years.

Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship

To work in the United Kingdom, you must demonstrate that you have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigration Service. It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form. NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre‑employment checks.

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Marie Watt on 07929 840121.