Suffolk County Council
- Location: Various locations across Suffolk – Community based
- Salary: £34,434 per annum
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract: 1-year Fixed term Postgraduate training programme from January to December 2027
Train to become a Health Visitor and help give every baby, child and family the best possible start in life
This is an exciting opportunity for registered Nurses and Midwives to undertake the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Health Visiting 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 Health Visitor—supporting families, improving outcomes and reducing inequalities during the most critical years of a child’s life.
This is a demanding but highly rewarding programme, combining academic study with clinical practice in a supportive, high‑quality service.
About the programme
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 Health Visitors and practice educators
- structured clinical and safeguarding supervision
What you will learn to do
As part of your training, you will develop the skills to:
- build trusted relationships with families from pregnancy through early childhood
- lead delivery of the Healthy Child Programme (0–5)
- complete holistic assessments of child development, parental wellbeing and family context
- identify need, risk and safeguarding concerns early and respond appropriately
- provide evidence‑based support tailored to differing levels of need
- work confidently with partners across health, education, social care and Family Hubs
- contribute to reducing inequalities and improving long‑term outcomes for children and families
The team
Suffolk’s Healthy Child Service (0–19) provides support from pregnancy through to young adulthood, focusing on prevention, early intervention and reducing inequalities.
Health Visitors are specialist public health nurses who lead the Healthy Child Programme for children aged 0–5, working in partnership with families and other professionals to ensure children have the best possible start in life.
We are building a service where compassionate, 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.
What we’re looking for
To apply, you must be one (or more) of the following:
- Registered Nurse (Part 1, Level 1) – NMC registered
- Registered Midwife – NMC registered
- 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 factors affecting children, families and communities
- experience of working with children and families
- strong communication and relationship‑building skills
- a compassionate, proactive and solution‑focused approach
- a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and families
Selection process
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to deliver a 10‑minute presentation demonstrating their understanding of public health practice and academic readiness for Level 7 study.
What we will offer you
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 Supervisor and Assessor
- strong clinical, safeguarding and reflective supervision
- exposure to working across communities, Family Hubs and partner organisations
- a service focused on quality, prevention and reducing inequalities
- 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 Health Visitor roles within Suffolk County Council.
Why join us
- make a lasting impact on babies, children and families across Suffolk
- join a service focused on prevention, early intervention and outcomes
- develop as a confident, autonomous public health practitioner
- work in a supportive, learning‑focused environment
- be part of a service rated Good by CQC
Important information
Recruitment is undertaken in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University.
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.
Closing date
9 August 2026
Interview information
Interview dates: 7, 8, 10, 16 and 18 September 2026
Interview location: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds
Student Health Visitor in Hadleigh employer: Suffolk County Council
At Sendsory, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our team of Cognition and Learning Practitioners. Located in Ipswich, Suffolk, we offer competitive salaries, six training days per year, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEND. Our commitment to professional development and a child-focused culture ensures that every employee can grow and thrive while contributing to a nurturing educational setting.
