How to Add a Child to the NHS App: Family and Carer Access

Parents can manage a child's GP services from their own NHS App, but the GP surgery has to set it up. Here is how it works and what changes as your child gets older.

Updated · 4 min read

Illustration of a parent's phone showing two linked profiles, one adult and one child

You add a child to your NHS App through family and carer access, also called proxy access or a linked profile. You cannot do it entirely in the app: you ask your child's GP surgery, they check your ID and your parental responsibility, and then your child appears in your app. You and your child must be registered at the same GP surgery.

What family and carer access lets you do

Once it is set up, the NHS website says you may be able to:

  • order repeat prescriptions for your child
  • book GP appointments
  • contact the surgery or speak to surgery staff
  • view test results or vaccinations
  • see all or part of your child's GP health record

The surgery decides exactly what you can see and do. Some parents are given access to appointments and prescriptions only.

Who can get access to a child's NHS services

You can only get online access to the health services of a child under 16 if you are their parent or guardian with legal parental responsibility. GOV.UK explains who has parental responsibility.

You do not need to live at the same address as your child, but you both need to be registered at the same GP surgery. You can have access for more than one child, and a child can have more than one adult acting for them.

Step by step: asking your GP surgery

1. Make sure you both have NHS accounts set up

You need your own NHS account with full identity checks completed. If you have not done this, set up NHS login first.

2. Ask the surgery for family and carer access

Contact your GP surgery and ask for family and carer access (or proxy access) for your child. You may need to fill in a form. Some surgeries are testing an option in the app itself: if yours is, you will see Apply to access services for someone else under Family and carer access in your profile.

3. Show ID and proof of parental responsibility

The surgery may ask to see:

  • ID for you and your child, such as passports
  • documents showing you have parental responsibility, such as a birth certificate

4. Wait for the surgery's checks

Before giving access, the surgery will:

  • check with anyone else who shares parental responsibility with you
  • make sure your child is not at risk of harm
  • ask for your child's agreement if they are 11 or over and able to understand

How long this takes depends on the surgery.

Switching to your child's profile in the app

When access is ready, the NHS App help page explains how to switch:

  1. Go to Profile.
  2. Select Family and carer access.
  3. Select your child's name.

A yellow banner saying Acting for appears at the top, so you always know whose profile you are using. To go back, use the link in the banner and select Switch to my profile.

What changes as your child gets older

Under 11

Parents usually manage access to a young child's health record and online GP services.

From 11

Children aged 11 and over can begin to make their own decisions about their healthcare. The surgery must ask for your child's consent if they are able to understand what it means. If your child is not able to consent, the surgery can still give you access if it is in their best interests. Some parents find their level of access changes around this age.

From 13

A young person registered with a GP surgery in England can create their own NHS account from 13, so they can see their own information.

At 16

Family and carer access usually ends when a child turns 16. Young people are presumed able to make their own decisions about their care from this age. If your teenager wants you to keep helping, they can ask the GP surgery to set it up again.

Things you cannot do for your child in the app

Even with access, the NHS App help pages say you cannot:

  • view your child's NHS number
  • change your child's home address
  • change your child's GP surgery or contact details
  • change your child's chosen pharmacy

For these, contact the GP surgery directly. Our guide on finding your child's NHS number explains where else to look.

If your request is refused or delayed

A surgery may refuse or limit access to protect a child, for example if there are safeguarding concerns or if a child aged 11 or over has said no. If you are unhappy with the decision, ask the practice manager to explain it. You can also use the surgery's complaints process.

Parents' questions about linked profiles

Can both parents add the same child?

Yes. A child can have more than one person acting for them, as long as each person meets the requirements and the surgery agrees.

Can grandparents or carers get access?

Adults without parental responsibility cannot get access to a child's online GP services in this way. For adults you care for, there is a separate process, which needs the person's consent unless they lack capacity.

Will my child know I can see their record?

From 11, your child will usually be asked for their consent, so they will know. You can talk to the surgery if you are unsure how much your child understands.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.

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