SCPHN Student - School Nursing
Job summary
Newham is an incredibly diverse borough with a very young population and is experiencing considerable regeneration as part of the Olympic legacy. There are over 86,000 children and young people in Newham and we want each of them to have the same life chances as young people in other parts of London. Newham was the first London borough to offer a fully integrated 0-19 health and social care services since 2017.
Therefore, our CYPS directorate continues to deliver the 0-19 Healthy Child programme through the Childrens Health Service. The Children's Health 0-19 service had their CQC inspection in 2021 and rated Good in all areas.The borough is offering sponsorship for qualified Nurses and Midwives to complete the SCPHN qualification at level 7, to become Health Visitor and School Nurse.
The post is fully funded by NHSE, and successful candidates will be paid PO1 which is AFC Band 5 equivalent; and be able to commence the programme in January 2026 at University of Greenwich. It's an exciting time to be part of an organisation that is shaping the future of Childrens Health, 0-19 children's services in East London.
Are you eager to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of the public health approach to reducing health inequalities? At LBN, SCPHN (School Nurses) involve in the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme, provision of Universal Services and Targeted interventions to Children, Young People and families with the greatest need.
Main duties of the job
SCPHN students must demonstrate: A strong passion for early intervention and prevention, particularly in the context of supporting Children and Young People (0-19yrs) and families. Requires an understanding of the role of health visitors and school nurses in addressing health inequalities, particularly in an ethnically diverse, urban community like Newham. A commitment to the principles of health promotion, safeguarding, and partnership working.
Enrolment on a NMC-approved SCPHN School Nursing postgraduate programme (such as the one offered by the University of Greenwich), requires commitment to complete both academic study and supervised practice placement during the 52-week (full-time) course. It also requires ability to meet academic demands including assignments, presentations, critical reflections, case studies, and potentially a public health project.
Proficient in written and verbal English communication, with strong academic writing and skills for critical analysis are essential.
During the training year, students are placed in community settings across Newham and are expected to engage fully with the practical training under the supervision of a qualified practice assessor and supervisor.Attend all mandated university study days and practice placement hours.Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and reliability at all times.Work in accordance with NMC Code of Conduct, organisational policies, and safeguarding responsibilities.
About us
Local working Environment During the training year, students are placed in schools and community settings across the four localities which comprise eight teams in Newham. Students are expected to: Engage fully with the practical training under the supervision of a qualified practice assessor and supervisor. Attend all mandated university study days and practice placement hours.
Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and reliability at all times. Work in accordance with NMC Code of Conduct, organisational policies, and safeguarding responsibilities. Newham is one of the most ethnically diverse boroughs in the UK, with a high proportion of residents from minority ethnic backgrounds, many of whom speak English as a second language.
Students must demonstrate: Cultural sensitivity and non-judgemental practice Ability to work effectively with interpreters or multilingual families Awareness of the social determinants of health affecting families in Newham (e.g., housing, migration, poverty, trauma) A clear understanding of child protection and safeguarding frameworks.
Ability to identify signs of neglect, abuse, or developmental delay, and take appropriate action under supervision. Familiarity with local policies and referral pathways for vulnerable families, including those affected by domestic abuse, mental health issues, or substance misuse.
Job responsibilities
SCPHN Student (Health Visiting and School Nursing) in London Borough of Newham are expected to work towards gaining the standards of proficiency for entry to the NMC register/recordable for (SCPHN). We will provide the SCPHN student with a learning environment which will enable the student to develop knowledge, skills and competencies to take on the role of a qualified SCPHN within a defined pathway.
To gain the knowledge, skills and competence required in order to exercise higher levels of judgment, discretion and decision making in clinical care focusing on four broad areas: Clinical practice Community Engagement Clinical practice development Leadership in clinical practice The post of the SCPHN Sponsorship Student is a development post building on existing knowledge, skills and competencies to achieve a higher level of practice resulting in an academic qualification as well as a recordable/registerable qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Main duties and responsibilities: The fundamental responsibilities of the post holder are: To attain the academic credentials and the clinical skills required to practice as a NMC registered Specialist Community Public Health Nurse on a defined pathway.
To fulfil the requirements of the Specialist Community Practitioner programme by attending university course dates and practice placement days in accordance with University regulations To work with the Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor to develop the skills and competencies to achieve NMC Registration Standards for Specialist Community Practice; and embed knowledge gained into clinical practice.
To demonstrate an understanding of current and emerging National, Regional and local healthcare legislation, policies and guidelines as they pertain to chosen pathway To develop/build on skills of caseload and team leadership and management To work within University Regulations pertaining to academic work and student conduct. To work within employing organisational policies as they pertain to the relevant clinical setting.
To work within the LBN Childrens Health, 0-19 Services policies and procedures relating to practice and employees responsibilities. Confidentiality & Information Governance Adhere to the Data Protection Act (2018),GDPR, and Freedom of Information Act (2000). Ensure that all client information is stored and transmitted securely, with awareness of the NHS information governance protocols.
Health & Safety Act in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). Report hazards, accidents, or concerns to the appropriate authority and contribute to a safe environment for staff and service users. Equal Opportunities Promote and practice equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
Challenge discrimination and uphold the values of fairness and respect in line with the Councils Equal Opportunities Policy. Safeguarding Adhere to all safeguarding procedures for children and vulnerable adults. Participate in mandatory safeguarding training and supervision, applying knowledge to recognise and escalate concerns effectively.
Infection Prevention and Control Comply with infection control standards and ensure hand hygiene practices are followed rigorously. Attend required training and take personal responsibility for reducing the risk of infection transmission. Risk Management Understand and participate in the organisations risk management processes. Document and escalate risks appropriately and contribute to developing safer practice.
Professionalism Maintain a high standard of personal conduct, including abstaining from alcohol during work hours and complying with theNo Smoking Policy. Avoid conflicts of interest and seek approval for secondary employment if applicable.
What You Will Gain Sponsorship for a Level 7 academic qualification (SCPHN School Nursing) Clinical training supported by experienced Practice Assessors and Supervisors Exposure to a progressive public health nursing strategy Access to a structured preceptorship and CPD programme post-qualification Opportunities for career progression in public health nursing What You Will Do Deliver public health initiatives and care packages (e.g. healthy weight, behaviour support) Undertake health needs assessments and manage a caseload Focus on high-impact areas of the Healthy Child Programme Safeguard vulnerable children and lead quality improvement (QI) projects Engage in clinical leadership, community engagement, and practice development What We Are Looking For Motivation to tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes for children and families Knowledge of the Healthy Child Programme and wider public health issues Strong communication, emotional resilience, and decision-making capabilities High academic ability to manage a demanding year of study and placement Reflective learners with leadership potential and a collaborative mindset.
Person Specification
Qualifications · Essential
Current NMC Registration for nursing or midwifery. Level 6 qualification (2:2 or higher). Literacy and Numeracy at the level of the National Qualifications Framework at level 1-2 for Numeracy (equivalent of GCSE) and 3-4 for Literacy (equivalent of A level)
Desirable
Evidence of 2 years post qualification experience as a Nurse or Midwife. Evidence of continual professional development Recordable qualification Child Protection Supervision
Experience · Essential
A minimum of two years experience as a qualified Nurse / Midwife Multi- agency/multidisciplinary working Experience of direct supervision of qualified and unqualified staff Experience of providing complex packages of care and interagency working Experience of teaching and assessing students Experience of child protection and looked after children work with families in a local authority social services/social care department, NSPCC or other relevant agency.
Experience of direct work with children and families Able to recognise what good practice looks like and demonstrate how they have delivered practice at that level. Experience of undertaking quality assurance/service improvement frameworks and or carrying out quality assurance activities such as audits and practice observations.
Desirable
Desirable: Leading training Developing and delivery of projects Experience of first line management Experience as a clinical supervisor
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
