One includes the ‘Dr Me’ programme, which sees children given an hour lesson by medical students on self-care techniques and ‘appropriate use of NHS services’ for problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Under the scheme, youngsters are given six health related scenarios and then asked if they should stay home, go to the GP or attend A&E.

The authors of the report, which include the NHS Clinical Commission, Royal College of Nursing and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, say this would help free up health professionals’ time.

It comes amid an ongoing row between the Government and GPs over a lack of face-to-face appointments.