Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has plans to use (a) schools and (b) nurseries to deliver health services in disadvantaged communities.

The Government supports the use of place-based services and integrated delivery, particularly where this will improve access for more disadvantaged communities. The Government is funding 75 local authorities in England with higher levels of deprivation through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. This will ensure that parents and carers can access Start for Life services locally during the critical period from conception to age two and will make an important positive difference to the experiences of families across the country. We are also continuing to roll-out Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges across England.

Health services should be available and accessible at times and locations that meet the needs of children, young people, and families. Schools and nurseries can function as particularly effective settings. However, decisions concerning the commissioning and location of provider premises are made locally, following engagement with service users and other key stakeholders.