The Role of Nursing in Reducing Health Inequalities for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs: Towards Sustainable, Safe, and Needs-Based Support

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.