Special School Nurse Band 5 in Penarth

An exciting job opportunity has arisen to join the Integrated Children's Community Nursing Service (ICCNS) for Cardiff and The Vale UHB as a Special School Nurse. You will be joining the dedicated, hardworking team of Special School nurses that deliver high standard nursing care to children and young people with complex health needs. This role is central to supporting Special Schools to enable the children and young people to access education and thrive in a school environment.

Main duties of the job

The successful post holder will be working in collaboration with the children, young people and their families/carers and the wider multidisciplinary team across the health, social and education disciplines. In our services we support learners aged 3‑19 years that have identified Additional Learning Needs (ALN). Responsibilities of the special school nurse will include the assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of high‑quality care that promotes the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people attending Special School. This may include the provision of direct nursing care for conditions such as epilepsy, tracheostomies and respiratory support, attending emergencies and monitoring of ongoing health needs.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, adaptable, innovative and motivated individual who is a skilled team player able to demonstrate clinical excellence and up‑to‑date specialist knowledge, experience and understanding of children and young people with complex needs and disabilities. At ICCNS we pride ourselves on delivering high‑quality individualised care to our children and young people ensuring a holistic, person‑centred practice. The successful candidate will share this commitment and demonstrate the UHB's values and behaviours. You will have a good understanding of the Special School Nursing Framework for Wales and the ALNET (Wales) Act 2018.

Person Specification

• Specialist knowledge
• Understanding of the needs of children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), LD/physical disabilities & complex health needs
• Evidence of CPD
• Experience & knowledge of safeguarding
• Knowledge and understanding of the Special School Nursing Framework
• Knowledge and understanding of the ALNET (Wales) Act 2018

• Communication
• Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with children, young people, families and education staff
• Confident in liaising with multi‑agency teams to coordinate care and support educational access
• Competent in maintaining accurate, professional documentation and sharing information in line with safeguarding procedures
• Able to advocate effectively for the health needs of learners
• Proficient in using digital systems and electronic health records to document care accurately, share information securely and communicate effectively with colleagues and partner agencies
• Ability to use digital platforms creatively to enhance communication and coordination across health and education teams
• Confidence in delivering health‑related information to groups (e.g., parents, professionals) in an engaging and accessible way
• Awareness of alternative communication methods (e.g., visual aids, assistive technology) to support pupils with communication difficulties
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness, with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with families from different backgrounds, religious beliefs, and cultures, ensuring inclusive and person‑centred care.

• Personal Qualities
• Compassionate and child‑centred approach
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with children, families and multi‑agency teams
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in an emergency
• Respectful and inclusive
• To work well autonomously and as part of a team
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs of the children and young people
• Confidence in advocating for children and young people in health and education settings
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Creative problem‑solving skills
• Awareness of Welsh language and culture

Other

• A willingness to undertake relevant training

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (Child) with current NMC registration
• Evidence of post‑registration experience in caring for children and/or young people with complex health needs
• Knowledge of clinical procedures relevant to the role (e.g., epilepsy management, tracheostomy care, enteral feeding)
• Post‑registration training or certification
• Experience or training in working with children and young people with complex health needs in educational or community settings
• Knowledge of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) legislation and inclusive education principles
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to paediatric or special school nursing
• Registered Children's Nurse
• Significant experience with children / young people
• Experience of working with children with complex health care needs and disabilities

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£32,557 to £39,631 a year per annum pro rata