At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to become a School Nurse and support children and families in various settings.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to improving health outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured support, and a postgraduate qualification.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on prevention and early intervention.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health and tackle inequalities in your community.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered nurse or midwife, or a student nearing qualification.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 34434 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council is offering a unique 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.
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 School Nurses 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 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.
The Team
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.
What we are looking for
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
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 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.
Why join us
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 are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are 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: kathleen.cunnea@suffolk.gov.uk
Closing date
Closing date: 11.30 pm 2 August 2026.
Interview date
Interview date: 17 September 2026.
