School Nurse Specialist Practitioner

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Manchester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a proactive School Nurse to deliver the Healthy Child Programme within the School Health Service across Manchester. You will provide clinical leadership, support safeguarding, manage complex caseloads, and work with partners to improve child health outcomes.

The role requires driving to multiple bases, maintaining records, and participating in service development with Heads of Service. DBS clearance is part of the standard NHS process.

Qualifications

• First level Registered Nurse (degree level) as per job spec.
• Post-registration education and training HE level 6/7.
• Specialist/community public health or school nursing qualification.
• Experience in safeguarding children.
• Experience in health promotion and education programmes.
• School nursing experience and ability to work with individuals and groups.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and knowledge of policy relating to children’s services.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and direction within the school health team.
• Develop and monitor quality standards in the service.
• Assess and respond to requests to promote child health and wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate records in EMIS and Trust policies.
• Liaise with partner agencies to ensure effective communication.
• Lead 1:1s and annual appraisals for named staff.
• Travel citywide and drive/own vehicle as required.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Safeguarding

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Public health knowledge

Health promotion

Education

First level Registered Nurse (degree level)

Specialist Community Public Health Nurse qualification or School Nursing Certificate/Diploma

HE level 6/7 post-registration education and training

Tools

EMIS

Microsoft Office

Electronic record systems

Job description

This post is positioned within the School Health Services, part of the Children's Community Services Directorate in Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The School Health Services consist of School Nursing and Healthy Schools. They operate citywide across Manchester working in partnership with schools to improve the health outcomes of children, young people and their families. Comprising of child focused functions; National Child Measurement Programme and Screening; Healthy Weight Team; Healthy Schools Programme; and the Healthy Child Programme, the School Health Service contributes to tackling health inequalities by addressing the city's key public health priorities for children. This is a great opportunity for personal/professional development. The post holder will deliver the Healthy Child Programme (DHSC 2026) in line with the Manchester School Health Service offer, ensuring that care is evidenced based with safe levels of intervention as well as contributing to the safeguarding arena with report writing in line with the trust policies. Whilst staff will primarily work within one team, they may be required to work at other locations to ensure equitable service delivery. Core service hours are Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Staff are required to travel between multiple bases at short notice and may on occasion be required to transport training materials or equipment. Main duties of the job To work as part of the school health team to provide clinical leadership support and professional direction. Be proactive in the identification of service development in consultation with Team Leads and Heads of Service and participate in developing, monitoring, and evaluating quality standards within the service. To assess, allocate, and respond to requests for advice and support in order to promote and maintain the health and well-being of children and families. Maintain professional standards of accurate and timely record keeping and storage in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines, Data Protection Act and MFT policies and procedures. Keeps an accurate and up to date diary on EMIS and follows Trust policy regarding confidential information. To liaise with partner agencies as appropriate to ensure an effective communication system. The post holders will promote the safeguarding of children, working within a multi-agency team. The post holder will have responsibility for the completion of 1:1's and appraisals of named staff members to ensure completion of an annual Appraisal and Development Plan. Due to the nature of the role, carrying equiptment and working citywide, applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle that is suitable for business use A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role,

• First level Registered Nurse (degree level)
• Evidence of post registration education and training HE level 6 / 7
• Practice Assessor/Supervisor competent
• Specialist Community Public Health Nurse qualification (SN) OR School Nursing Certificate / Diploma, Demonstrable evidence of professional development
• Demonstrable and considerable experience working within the safeguarding children arena
• Demonstrable or relevant experience in delivering health promotion and health education programmes
• School nursing experience
• able to evidence working with individuals and groups.
• Experience of managing complex caseloads, Detailed knowledge of health and social care policy relating to children's services to include safeguarding
• Detailed knowledge of national and local strategies relating to the school nursing service
• Demonstrates an understanding of the public health issues in Manchester
• Good understanding of the Manchester School Health Service and it's delivery of the Healthy Child Programme
• Has a good understanding of the challenges of school health nursing in Manchester., Evidence of utilising evidenced based practice and appraising standards, providing clinical direction and support for staff
• Demonstrates leadership skills and understanding of professional responsibilities within the team.
• Evidences establishing and maintaining key relationships with colleagues and other disciplines both internally and externally
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Demonstrate the ability to facilitate andIs able to organise and prioritise own workload support implementation of service development within a team.
• Delegates and reviews work in line with trust policy, IT skills including the use Microsoft packages, the ability to access information using the internet and electronic record systems
• Car driver/owner and willing and able to travel city wide for work purposes; may include occasional regional/national travel
• Flexible and adaptable to changing needs in the service, including attending parents evenings in line with role requirements
• Respects the values, culture and beliefs held by others Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement. Whether youre beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. Youll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives. At MFT, youll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’ll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time., As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.