Overview
Are you a registered nurse who loves promoting health and reducing health inequalities? Do you want to work with school‑aged children, young people and their families to support behaviour change and provide specialist early intervention in areas such as emotional well‑being, sleep, continence, healthy eating, puberty and risk taking behaviours?
Are you up for the challenge of gaining an additional NMC qualification as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) in School Nursing? We may have the perfect opportunity for you.
We are offering a fully funded training opportunity (Level 7) to qualify as a registered SCPHN (School Nurse), commencing January 2026 with the University of Greenwich.
For more information on the role of a school nurse, please visit: https://www.southeastclinicalnetworks.nhs.uk/school-nursing-south-east/
How to become a School Nurse
Successful applicants will be sponsored/seconded on a midpoint Band 5 salary for the duration of the programme. Tuition fees are paid by the NHS. Travel expenses are paid when on business travel only.
The programme comprises 50% theory and 50% practice and runs for 45 weeks per year with holidays at various points throughout the programme. Attendance at university for taught sessions is usually two days per week between 09:00 and 17:00. You will also be expected to undertake self‑directed study when not in university. You will be fully integrated into a friendly, supportive team with 1:1 support from a Practice Assessor/Supervisor.
Entry Criteria:
* Applicants must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (UK).
* Applicants should have a relevant degree, normally at 2:2 or above (a minimum of 120 credits at Level 6).
* To be eligible for an RPEL entry to Level 7, candidates must be registered Nurses or Midwives with a relevant Diploma in Higher Education (minimum 120 credits at Level 5) and at least 15 Level 6 credits; evidence may be requested.
* Normally, where English is not a first language, applicants should demonstrate evidence of previous study in English or have a minimum IELTS score of 7 in every skill.
Please note: This role is offered on a fixed‑term basis for the duration of the training course. The organisation will fund course fees; however, if you do not complete the course or do not remain with the organisation after completion (where a substantive role is available), you may be required to repay all or part of the fees. Upon successful completion, subject to vacancy availability, you may be offered a permanent role as a School Nurse (Band 6) with opportunities to progress.
* Annual leave is fixed and non‑negotiable for the duration of the programme.
* This is an opportunity to join a progressive and innovative service in a social enterprise that is patient and staff focused.
* You may have the opportunity to become an MCH shareholder.
* Staff are encouraged to contribute to exploring new ways of working and service development.
* Well established in‑service training, one‑to‑one supervision and regular appraisals are provided.
* You will develop your skills in a friendly and supportive team.
Application process and tips
Your application form and personal statement:
* This programme attracts a high number of applications; here are tips to increase your chances of being shortlisted:
* Your statement should be no longer than 400–500 words.
* Demonstrate motivation and a passion for working with children and families; explain clear reasons for applying and how you understand what school nurses do. You may reference Department of Health documents, but highlight transferable skills.
Please check your application carefully before submitting to avoid common issues, such as:
* Nursing qualifications not recorded on the form
* Expired NMC pin number or missing pin details
* Inconsistencies in information and employment history
* No evidence of the necessary academic requirements
* Poor supporting statement – avoid merely describing current roles; relate to SCPHN requirements
* Both academic and practice assessment elements must be passed to enable NMC registration
Full job description attached. This advert closes on Thursday 2 Oct 2025.
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