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Nearly 700 school nurses have been axed by the Tories.

The 694 lost since 2010, is 23% of the total NHS workforce in English classrooms, says a Government reply to Labour.

As a result, fewer teachers get training and thousands of pupils with conditions such as asthma, epilepsy and diabetes may no longer be able to attend lessons.

School nurses are commissioned by local authorities who have failed to replace departing staff because of Tory funding cuts.

(Image: Getty)

The number fell from 3,026 in January 2010, the year the Tories came to power, to just 2,332 in January this year.

Royal College of Nursing chief Janet Davies said: “School nurses are vital in the fight against rising obesity and poor mental health in children.

(Image: Getty)

“Cuts to public health budgets risk limiting the opportunities of thousands.”

Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth said: “Investing in school nurses is essential to our children’s health yet the Tories are cutting them – it’s a disgrace.”