All you need to know about the nit nurse
The nit nurse used to be a presence in schools up and down the UK throughout children’s childhoods. But where are they now?
Feb 21, 2026 · 4 min read
TL;DR
Nit nurses were school staff who checked children for head lice. Most UK schools no longer have them due to policy changes. Parents now do checks at home. Weekly wet combing is the recommended approach.
What is a nit nurse?
Nit nurses (or school nurses) used to inspect children's hair for lice. They would send children home if nits were found. The role was common in the UK until the late 1980s and 1990s.
When and why did the nit nurse disappear from schools?
"No nit" policies were phased out because they excluded children unnecessarily — nits can remain after treatment and don't always mean active infestation. Schools now focus on informing parents and encouraging home checks. Checker here. School resources help. Clinics nearby.