TITLE:
The Role of Nursing in Reducing Health Inequalities for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs: Towards Sustainable, Safe, and Needs-Based Support
AUTHORS:
Demetria Parker
KEYWORDS:
Special Educational Needs (SEN), Health Inequality, Nursing Leadership, EHCP, Integrated Care, Clinical Judgement, Needs-Based Care
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.15 No.9,
September
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) face multiple layers of health inequality, compounded by socioeconomic disadvantage, family stress, and fragmented care systems. This practice-based review explores the significant role of nursing in tackling these inequalities through cost effective, evidence-based, and person-centred approaches. It argues that nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between education, health, and social care, and must be empowered to influence policy and practice to ensure sustainable, safe, and appropriate support for this vulnerable population.