Within the new competency-based programme, trainees will take between 5-8 years to gain a CCT, Training is divided into three levels:

• Level 1 (ST1-3) (2-3 years): Provides basic knowledge of paediatrics and child health in ST1-3, with placements in general, neonatal and community paediatric posts and some introductory sub-specialty training, mainly in ST3 posts. Assessment of performance will be by workplace assessments. Full MRCPCH will be necessary to progress into level 2 training.
• Level 2 (ST 4-5) (1-2 years): Training will be provided mainly in district general hospitals (DGHs) using existing core training posts and rotations and including community paediatrics and neonatology. There will be a greater emphasis on outpatient presentations, and the expectation of a higher level of performance in relation to common paediatric conditions, child development and child protection.
• Level 3 (ST6-8): (2-3 years): At Level 3, trainees may choose to enter subspecialty training in one of the accredited  subspecialties or to stay on in general training. Those wishing to enter subspecialty training trainees may apply in competition for National Grid training in one of the 17 paediatric subspecialties, with entry at ST6 or 7 depending on the specialty curriculum. StRs who are training in general paediatrics or community child health, will be matched to year ST 6-8 posts by the London training programme directors (TPDs) in accordance with local availability of training opportunities, trainee requirements and preferences. It is anticipated that the majority of general paediatric StRs will have at least 12 months training in a sub-specialty post usually in ST6 or 7.
  

StRs will be allocated a personal programme director who will be available to guide them through the whole training process.

At each stage of training, progress can be monitored using a series of frameworks of competence. Regular assessments of competence and performance will take place using a variety of methods.  Information about competency-based assessment is available on the RCPCH website.

General Training

Trainees wishing to enter general training will also usually undertake a year or more in a chosen subspecialty, as well as further time in general posts. This will allow trainees to develop of expertise in one or two specific areas, and to take ‘special responsibility’ for these at DGH level. For example, a trainee may undertake 12-18 months oncology training in order to manage the shared care oncology in a DGH, rather than the full subspecialty training undertaken by Grid trainees who wish to practice at tertiary level.

Subspecialty Training

Paediatric Subspecialist Training programmes are currently available in accident and emergency medicine; endocrinology; neurology; gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition; respiratory medicine; paediatric intensive care; community paediatrics; neurodisability; metabolic medicine; clinical pharmacology and therapeutics; nephrology; oncology; neonatology; allergy, immunology and infectious disease; paediatric palliative care; and rheumatology.

More Information

For more information on curricula and training requirements at each level, visit the RCPCH website.