A lack of training opportunities for would-be school nurses is scuppering efforts to increase numbers, says the Royal College of Nursing.
In a manifesto setting out its health priorities for the next UK government, the college calls for every child in Britain to be given access to a school nurse, saying the move is "vital" if children are to get information on issues including healthy eating, exercise, and mental and sexual health.
It estimates that only 2,000 nurses cover 20,000 schools in England, and just 78 nurses in Northern Ireland cover 1,200 schools.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said the Government was "committed" to increasing the number of school nurses.
