Suffolk County Council
Location: Various community and education settings across Suffolk
Salary: £34,434 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: 1-year fixed-term postgraduate training programme (January–December 2027)
This is an exciting opportunity for registered Nurses and Midwives to undertake the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) School Nursing programme and begin a rewarding career in public health nursing.
You will join Suffolk’s 0–19 Healthy Child Service and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to practise as a School Nurse supporting children, young people and families, improving outcomes and reducing inequalities across school-age populations.
This is a demanding but highly rewarding programme, combining academic study with clinical practice in a supportive, high-quality service.
You will complete a full-time postgraduate qualification (Level 7) in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge or Chelmsford).
The programme includes:
a combination of university-based learning and clinical placements
academic assignments and practice-based assessments
teaching delivered through a mix of online and on-campus sessions.
Throughout your training, you will be supported by:
a Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor
experienced School Nurses and practice educators
structured clinical and safeguarding supervision.
As part of your training, you will develop the skills to:
build trusted relationships with children, young people and families across education settings
lead delivery of the Healthy Child Programme (5–19)
assess health, wellbeing and development, including emotional health and risk behaviours
identify need, vulnerability and safeguarding concerns early and take appropriate action
provide evidence-based support and targeted interventions
work in partnership with schools, families, health services, social care and community organisations
support children and young people to improve health outcomes and build resilience.
Suffolk’s Healthy Child Service (0–19) provides support from pregnancy through to young adulthood, with School Nursing focused on children and young people aged 5–19.
School Nurses are specialist public health practitioners who work in and alongside schools, leading prevention and early intervention to improve physical health, emotional wellbeing and life chances.
We are building a service where compassionate, child and family-focused practitioners feel confident to act, think critically and make a difference. You will join a supportive learning environment where both students and experienced practitioners can thrive.
To apply, you must be one (or more) of the following:
a Registered Nurse (Part 1, Level 1) – NMC registered
a Registered Midwife – NMC registered
a Student Nurse or Midwife nearing qualification (subject to meeting entry requirements)
You will also need:
the academic ability to study at Level 7
an interest in public health and the needs of school-age children and young people
experience of working with children, young people or families
strong communication and relationship-building skills
a compassionate, proactive and solution-focused approach
a clear commitment to improving outcomes and reducing inequalities
This is a unique opportunity to gain a postgraduate qualification and start a career in specialist public health nursing.
You will benefit from:
structured support throughout your academic and clinical training
dedicated Practice Supervisors and Assessors
strong clinical, safeguarding and reflective supervision
experience working across schools, communities and partner organisations
a service focused on prevention, early intervention and improving outcomes
opportunities to develop confidence in assessment, safeguarding and partnership working.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be supported to apply for Grade 6 School Nurse roles within Suffolk County Council.
Make a meaningful difference to children and young people across Suffolk.
Join a service focused on prevention, early intervention and tackling health inequalities.
Develop as a confident, autonomous public health practitioner.
Work in a supportive, learning-focused environment.
Be part of a service rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Kathleen Cunnea for a casual conversation. You can contact them by calling 01473 260811 or emailing [email protected]
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
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Provide an example of when you embraced change in your work environment? How did you adapt, and what strategies did you use to cope with the change?
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Describe a situation where you had to deal with a challenging interpersonal situation or conflict? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?
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Provide an example of when you demonstrated leadership skills, even if you were not in a formal leadership role? How did you influence others, and what was the outcome?
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Describe a time when you had to recognise and manage your own stress levels? What strategies did you use, and how did it impact your work?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at [email protected] or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
Closing date: 11.30pm 2 August 2026.
Interview date: 17 September 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
