School Nurse Specialist Practitioner
The closing date is 17 May 2026
Job Summary
Position within the School Health Services, part of the Children’s Community Services Directorate at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The School Health Services work citywide across Manchester in partnership with schools to improve the health outcomes of children, young people, and their families. Core responsibilities include delivering the Healthy Child Programme (DHSC 2026) in line with the Trust’s offer, ensuring evidence‑based care with safe levels of intervention, and contributing to safeguarding through report writing and multi‑agency collaboration.
Staff will primarily work within one team but may be required to travel to other bases to provide equitable service delivery. Core service hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Main Duties
* Provide clinical leadership support and professional direction to the school health team.
* Identify service development needs in consultation with Team Leads and Heads of Service; participate in developing, monitoring, and evaluating quality standards.
* Assess, allocate, and respond to requests for advice and support to promote and maintain the health and well‑being of children and families.
* Maintain professional standards of accurate and timely record‑keeping and storage in line with NMC guidelines, Data Protection Act and Trust policies.
* Keep an accurate and up‑to‑date diary in EMIS and follow Trust policy regarding confidential information.
* Liaise with partner agencies to ensure effective communication systems.
* Promote safeguarding of children within a multi‑agency team.
* Conduct 1:1 meetings and appraisals of named staff to ensure completion of annual Appraisals and Development Plans.
* Transport training materials or equipment and travel between multiple bases at short notice.
Duties & Responsibilities
* Lead clinical assessment and provide evidence‑based practice to students and families.
* Support implementation of the Healthy Child Programme and other school nursing programmes.
* Participate in safe safeguarding processes and report writing as required by Trust policy.
* Advise and support teachers, parents, and other stakeholders on health promotion and education.
* Review and manage complex caseloads in accordance with service guidelines.
Person Specification
Education and Professional Qualifications
* Registered Nurse (degree level).
* Post‑registration education and training at HE Level 6 / 7.
* Practise Assessor/Supervisor competent.
* Specialist Community Public Health Nurse qualification (SN) OR School Nursing Certificate / Diploma.
Experience
* Demonstrable evidence of professional development.
* Significant experience working in safeguarding children’s arena.
* Experience delivering health promotion and education programmes.
* School nursing experience.
* Experience managing complex caseloads.
Knowledge and Understanding
* Detailed knowledge of health and social care policy pertaining to children’s services, including safeguarding.
* Knowledge of national and local strategies for school nursing services.
* Understanding of public health issues in Manchester.
* Good understanding of the Manchester School Health Service and the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme.
* Awareness of the challenges of school health nursing in Manchester.
Skills and Abilities
* Evidence of utilizing evidence‑based practice and appraisal standards; providing clinical direction and support for staff.
* Leadership skills and understanding of professional responsibilities within the team.
* Ability to establish and maintain key relationships with colleagues and external disciplines.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to facilitate, organise, and prioritise workload to support service development.
* Delegates and reviews work in line with Trust policy.
Other Requirements
* IT skills including Microsoft packages and use of electronic record systems.
* Car driver/owner with willingness to travel citywide and occasionally regional/national.
* Flexible and adaptable to changing service needs, including attending parent evenings.
* Respect for values, culture, and beliefs of others.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It requires a Disclosure & Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certification and Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered. Refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website for further information.
UK Registration
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and celebrating diversity. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply.
Employer Details
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – Citywide, Stancliffe Road Offices, Wythenshawe, M22 4PJ
Employer Website
https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 per annum (Pro Rata)
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