Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to use schools and nurseries as hubs for delivering health services to support families and meet the health needs of children and young people, especially within 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 investing approximately £300 million through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme to deliver a step change in outcomes for babies, children, parents and carers in 75 local authorities in England with high deprivation. Through joined up and enhanced universal services delivered through transformed family hubs, the programme will ensure all parents and carers can access the support they need, at the time they need it. 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.