This blended learning apprenticeship course provides the opportunity for those who have studied an undergraduate degree to undertake a two-year full-time Master’s. It has been designed to provide a flexible way to study whilst being employed in child healthcare services. During this apprenticeship you will get the opportunity to develop the vital skills, values and confidence you need to care for children, young people and their families whatever their circumstances, including those with acute illness, long-term conditions or those who need help to maintain their health.

• In our fully equipped simulated children’s ward, you will have the opportunity to put what you have learnt into practice in a safe environment using our patient simulators.
• Clinical placements provide opportunities for you to put what you have learnt into practice in a variety of acute settings including children's wards, accident and emergency departments and neonatal intensive care.
• Opportunities are available to work with specialist nurses in a range of community settings including GP surgeries, health centres, children's hospices, as well as mainstream and specialist schools.
• You will have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.
• You will also learn how to respond to the needs of all patients and service users from all fields of adult, learning disability and mental health nursing.

The course is mainly delivered through digital technologies and also involves practical, hands-on experience. Although the theoretical component is predominantly delivered online, you will attend the campus in Huddersfield (or similar venue close to your home) for a maximum total of four one-week blocks for simulation and skills training. You will do this in each stage of the course, providing the opportunity for you to practise skills in a safe and controlled environment. You will also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organisations in a setting close to home.

In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you will remain employed by your host organisation and may spend 20% of your time in your current workplace. The remaining 80% will be spent at the University undertaking theory work and clinical placements. The course culminates in an End Point Assessment (EPA) which is independently assessed outside of the Higher Education Institution (Skills Funding Agency, 2018). The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Nurse for Children.

Placements

Nothing can really replicate working in the real world, that’s why the course comprises of 50% practice, which is essential in your development. During the course you will undertake a number of practice learning experiences in a range of healthcare environments, these may include NHS Trusts, charities, hospices, schools and community settings. You will undertake 622.5 hours in stage 1, 647.5 hours in stage 2 and 722.5 hours in stage 3.

Throughout the practical experience you will be supervised and assessed by a qualified nurse or other suitably qualified professional who will provide expert help and advice if required.

To allow you the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences are generally offered across West Yorkshire and beyond, covering 24 hour care including evening, weekend and occasional night shifts.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including written coursework, practice, professional simulated exams, case presentations, competency based assessments and examinations, through which you will demonstrate your in-depth knowledge and understanding.