Student Specialist Public Health Nurse - School Nursing, Torquay

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Registered Nurse to develop their career by undertaking the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) School Nurse training.

This is a fully funded, full-time programme delivered in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) at Masters level, commencing September 2026 for 12 months. The programme provides a structured and supported pathway into Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, combining 50% academic study and 50% practice-based learning to develop advanced skills and confidence in the School Nurse role.

The course includes a blended learning approach with attendance at UWE (Glenside Campus, Bristol), self‑directed study, and supernumerary practice placements. Following the initial phase, learning consolidates through increased practice‑based experience alongside ongoing academic development. Annual leave is aligned with university timetables.

Throughout training you will be supported by a dedicated Academic in Practice and Practice Assessor, as well as experienced team leaders. A bespoke preceptorship programme is also provided on successful completion of the course to support transition into qualified SCPHN practice.

This is a fixed‑term post for the duration of the course, with salary at the mid‑point of Band 5. Travel to UWE is required and supported, with travel costs covered. There is potential for a permanent role on successful completion of training.

We are seeking a motivated, compassionate and committed Registered Nurse with a genuine passion for improving the health and wellbeing of children, young people and families, and a strong aspiration to develop within public health nursing.

The core purpose of the School Nurse role is to keep children safe, healthy and ready to learn while addressing both immediate health needs and long‑term well‑being.

• Contribute to and support the Healthy Child Programme through a mixture of mandated and ad hoc visits, providing evidence‑based advice and guidance to families.
• Remain supernumerary throughout the programme; as the programme develops you will be supported to become an autonomous practitioner.
• Attend placement 2.5 days a week during taught practice, increasing to 4 days a week during consolidated practice.
• Work within the Torbay 0–19 Partnership to deliver joined‑up support for children, young people and families, collaborating with Health Visiting, School Nursing and Action for Children.
• Gain community experience and contribute to the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme, building confidence and capability for specialist public health nursing practice.
• Work across Paignton, Brixham and Torquay as part of a multidisciplinary team, engaging with schools, family homes and wider community settings.

The role offers professional growth within a collaborative, multidisciplinary workforce, with supportive and experienced team leaders.