Paediatric Neurodisability Diploma

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is offering a Paediatric Neurodisability Diploma course endorsed by the British Academy of Childhood Disability (BACD).

Audience: All doctors currently providing care for disabled children and young people
Duration: Two-year part-time distance learning course including online group learning sessions
Fees: £5000 (£4800 for BACD members)

Discounts: Available for applicants from low/middle income countries.

Discounted fees and flexible payment arrangements are also available for applicants who are grid trainees.

Please make enquiries with the course support team at scn-tr.pddlc@nhs.net.

All grid trainees in paediatric neurodisability are encouraged to study the course as it complements the grid training programme and provides a useful framework to gain the expected competencies.

Course content

The Diploma includes twelve clinical courses, covering the many aspects of paediatric disability. It complements the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Progress+ curriculum in Paediatric Neurodisability.

All of the clinical courses are relevant to practice. The material is developed by experts and includes recommended reading and exercises based on the text.

You will complete an in-depth critical appraisal audit and/or service evaluation alongside the clinical courses with anticipation of a completed audit cycle.

Upon successful completion of the Diploma you will be awarded a certificate from Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust endorsed by the British Academy of Childhood Disability (BACD)

Course aims

Details of each of the course aims can be found below.

Online Group Learning Sessions

The teaching element of the course was historically delivered face to face in Sheffield. This moved to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has proven to be successful and continues to be delivered this way via Microsoft Teams.

We have recently reviewed our online teaching and we are excited to be able to offer more flexibility and access to shorter and more frequent teaching sessions. These will be delivered once every two months (a half to a full day) and will relate to the topics you are studying as you progress through the written material.

Online learning forms an essential part of the Diploma course and complements individual learning, giving you the opportunity to discuss topics with experts and your co-trainees.

Distance learning

Distance learning enables you to manage the majority of your learning in your own time. Course materials are distributed by email which includes working with interactive PDFs.

You will have a designated tutor who is an expert in the field. They can provide local support or remote support by email, tailored to your individual situation and requirements.

Course administration is handled by a dedicated team based in Sheffield. They can be contacted via email at scn-tr.PDDLC@nhs.net.

How to Apply

Please complete an application form and submit it to scn-tr.PDDLC@nhs.net along with any required accompanying documents.

Places on the Paediatric Neurodisability Diploma are offered on a strictly first come, first served basis.

The Diploma is now full for September 2024. We will, however, continue to accept applications for September 2025.