British Paediatric Neurology Association
Paediatric Epilepsy Training Courses


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The British Paediatric Neurology Association has developed an exciting series of training courses in paediatric epilepsy. The aim is to improve practice within childhood epilepsies across the UK and provide a programme of continuing medical education.

There are currently 3 levels of courses:

  1. PET1 is designed to meet the needs of all doctors and allied health professionals who are likely to come into contact with children with epilepsy but who do not have a particular interest in or responsibility for epilepsy. It is also suitable for trainees in various medical specialties, including paediatrics, paediatric neurology and neurodisability. It is recommended that all those planning to undertake PET2 should have completed a PET1 course.
  2. PET2 is particularly designed to meet the needs of paediatricians who have, or are seeking to develop, specific expertise / lead role in childhood epilepsies whether in a hospital or community setting. It is also appropriate for more experienced epilepsy nurses and more experienced trainees in paediatrics, paediatric neurology or neurodisability. Please note that it is recommended that those planning to undertake PET2 training should consider completing a PET1 course first.
  3. PET3 is designed to meet the needs of those providing a tertiary level service to children with epilepsy. This will mainly be paediatric neurologists but it is also suitable for the needs of some paediatricians, consultants in neurodisability and consultants in neuropsychiatry who are also providing such services.
Click here for the Level 1 course programme.
Click here for the Level 2 course programme.
Click here for the Level 3 course programme.
Level 1: PET2 is delivered by means of didactic teaching sessions and small workshops, which make use of videos. Course places are limited to 36.

Booking forms are distributed through local epilepsy networks initially and are available to download approximately one month later.

2008 course dates:

January, February, March - no PET1 courses
Friday 4 April 2008 - Slough (M4 between London and Reading) FULLY BOOKED
Friday 2 May 2008 - Uxbridge (north London) FULLY BOOKED
Tuesday 27 May 2008 - Nairn (near Inverness, Scotland) FULLY BOOKED
Friday 13 June 2008 - Brighton (south coast) FULLY BOOKED
Friday 4 July 2008 - Worcester (Midlands) 1 place available due to cancellation (at 3 Jul 08)
Friday 4 July 2008 - Cambridge (East Anglia) FULLY BOOKED
Wednesday 16 July 2008 - Llantrisant (near Cardiff, Wales) FULLY BOOKED
Monday 13 October 2008 - Dewsbury (Yorkshire)
Friday 21 November 2008 - Portsmouth (south coast)
Friday 21 November 2008 - Ellesmere Port (North West)
Thursday 18 December 2008 - Sunderland (North East)

Autumn 2008 (date to be confirmed) - Ireland
Autumn 2008 (date to be confirmed) - Plymouth (south west)

There will be one PET1 course in each region during 2008, including one in Ireland. Dates and venues will be added here as soon as they are confirmed.

2009 course dates:

12 May 2009 - Kilmarnock (Scotland) Booking form available October 2008

Level 2:

The course is delivered in two parts PET2 (days 1&2) and PET2 (days 3&4).  Each part is held over 2 days.  PET2 courses are limited to 36 participants only and is delivered by means of didactic teaching sessions and small workshops, which make use of videos and actors.

Days 1&2 concentrate on general aspects of the epilepsies (history taking, differential diagnosis, investigation etc) and on epilepsies encountered in younger children. There is a waiting list for places at PET2 courses. Please email your name, position and place of work to be added to the list. Any places still available 8 weeks before a course are made available on the website.

  • 23-24 April 2008, Glasgow (FULLY BOOKED)
  • 22-23 May 2008, London (FULLY BOOKED)
  • 24-25 June 2008, Cardiff (FULLY BOOKED)
  • 15-16 October 2008, Southampton (places currently being offered to the waiting list)

Days 3&4 concentrate on epilepsies presenting in mid childhood, older children and adolescents. Attendees must attend Days 1&2 before attending Days 3&4. Those who have attended Days 1&2 are automatically placed on a waiting list for Days 3&4 and will be offered a place at the next available course.

  • 11-12 September 2008, Cambridge (places currently being offered to the waiting list)
  • 13-14 November 2008, London (places will be offered to the waiting list shortly)
  • December 2008, Leeds (date and venue not yet confirmed)
Level 3:

Level 3 courses take place annually, the next being held:

Edinburgh, 10-11 November 2008
For further information please email.

Updated 03-Jul-2008