The contribution of community parent advisors to improving health in school communities in a primary care trust in northern England

This article reports on a preliminary study that looked at the introduction of a new role, the community parent advisor (CPA), to assist school nurses in health education and promotion. The study aimed firstly, to describe and consider the first year of the role and secondly, to look for health improvement in the school community from the perspective of the CPAs and school nurses. During the literature review it became apparent that research into school nursing and allied roles was limited, with little available evidence of effectiveness (Wainwright et al. 2000, Christian et al. 2005). Occasionally allusion was made to elements of the school nurses’ role being undertaken by assistive personnel to make the most effective use of resources (Allensworth 1996, p. 285).