British Paediatric Neurology Association
Paediatric Neurodisability Subspecialty Training

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Paediatric Neurodisability become a subspecialty of Paediatrics?

The Specialist Training Authority recognised Paediatric Neurodisability as a subspecialty of Paediatrics in September 2003.

I want to apply for Paediatric Neurodisability National Training Grid programme?

Advertisements for training on the Grid appear in the BMJ in January for programmes commencing the following September. Interviews occur in February. Further information about the National Grid can be found from www.rcpch.ac.uk

How will suitable training programmes be identified to join the grid?

The process for this is for the local potential trainers to familiarize themselves with the competency based training programme and the guidance in the Resource Pack, then to gain the support of the Deanery Programme Director for Paediatrics and discuss which posts will be put together to make up the programme. An outline of the programme, once agreed locally, should be sent to the Chair of the Neurodisability CSAC at RCPCH for comment, along with PMETB’s Form A, which is available directly from PMETB. Neurodisability CSAC is very keen to support the development of new programmes and offer advice at any stage. PMETB rather than the College approve training programmes, but having the support of the College CSAC will help enormously.

How long does Paediatric Neurodisability Training Programme take?

Where are support materials for Paediatric neurodisability training to be found?

Click here to get printable Training Pack for existing trainees.

For trainees following the run through training programme, the ‘Framework of competences for Level 3 training in PND’ can be found on the RCPCH website (www.rcpch.ac.uk). Click here to get printable Training Pack.

Who has endorsed the Paediatric Neurodisability Training Pack?

The Training Pack has been endorsed by the Specialist Training Authority (STA), the RCPCH, the BPNA, the BACCH and the BACD.

What is in the Paediatric Neurodisability Training Pack?

The Training Pack includes: a syllabus; information about training programme requirements; a list of key texts and journals; details of the expected competencies to be acquired including the range of neurodisabling conditions to which these are to be applied; a range of assessment tools, which may be used by trainees and trainers in supervision when reviewing progress towards acquisition of competencies and acquire the competencies.

What is in the Paediatric Neurodisability Resource Pack?

This includes the programme details, syllabus, key resources and assessment tools that will facilitate your training needs under run through training.

I am a Paediatric Specialist Registrar and would like to train in Paediatric Neurodisability. What do I need to do?

You need to register interest in the subspecialty by completing and returning a Paediatric Neurodisability Training Registration Form. You may also wish to discuss your training interests with your Programme Director, to find out if there may be a suitable training programme developed locally, which may be submitted as described above.

I am a SpR in Paediatrics/Community Child Health/Paediatric Neurology and would like to apply for a post with special responsibility for Paediatric Neurodisability. My CCT date is within the next year. Can I gain entry on the Specialist Register with Paediatrics (Neurodisability)?

There are Trainees in year 4/5 who are too far on in their training to apply for a grid post but intend to apply for a CCT in General Paediatrics (Neurodisability).

Most paediatricians in this position will have been following a training programme in community or general paediatrics with an interest in neurodisability. They will be able to apply for consultant posts described as having an interest in paediatric neurodisability based on their experience and competence. Therefore accreditation in paediatric neurodisability will not be essential, but retrospective accreditation may be possible depending on their training.

To be accredited, trainees will need to have their training programmes approved by CSAC and provide evidence that their training meets the requirements of the syllabus as set out in the Paediatric Neurodisability Training Pack (available on the RCPCH website, www.rcpch.ac.uk ).

• Training centres/supervisors will have to complete ‘virtual visit’ paperwork – this is the same as the approved centres have had to complete and can be obtained from the HST administrator for PND at the RCPCH.
• This will be simpler if the trainee is in one of the centres which have now been approved, although programmes will have to be looked at individually. The ‘virtual visit’ paper work should enable those not in approved centres to demonstrate that they have followed a suitable training programme compatible with that in the PND syllabus.
• The trainee will have to submit their CV and provide evidence to demonstrate how the required competences have been achieved.
• Detail of experience will be needed i.e. what was done/learnt and level of competence, not just time served in a particular clinical attachment.
• Tools in the PND training pack are available for guidance and may be used although these are not yet validated tools for assessing competences.
• These criteria must be strictly applied. The final decision will be taken by the PMETB.

I am a Consultant Paediatrician or non-consultant career grade doctor (NCCG) already practicing in the field of Paediatric Neurodisability. Can I get my registration on the Specialist Register changed to Paediatrics (Neurodisability)?

The CSAC does not anticipate there will be much demand for this and do date this has been the case, as appointments are generally made on experience, and until recently this subspecialty training was not available. Criteria will be based on the above criteria for approval for trainees. CSAC will consider requests on an individual basis and then make recommendations to PMETB.

I have other questions about training in Paediatric Neurodisability that is not answered here. Where do I go for help?

You are welcome to email further questions to Dr Karen Horridge, Consultant Paediatrician and Chair of Paediatric Neurodisability CSAC (Karen.horridge@mac.com).

Updated Sept 2007