School Nurse Specialist Practitioner with certificate of sponsorship to the UK

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated School Nurse Specialist Practitioner to join our School Health Services team at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. This exciting opportunity offers a certificate of sponsorship for qualified international professionals seeking to relocate to the UK. The position involves working citywide across Manchester to improve health outcomes for children, young people, and their families.

About the Position

This is a permanent, full-time role based at Band 6 level on the Agenda for Change pay scale, offering a salary of £39,959 to £48,117 per annum (pro rata). The post holder will deliver the Healthy Child Programme (DHSC 2026) in line with the Manchester School Health Service offer, ensuring care is evidence-based with safe levels of intervention.

About the Employer

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is one of the largest and busiest NHS trusts in the UK, employing over 30,000 staff who deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services in the North West with Europe’s largest health academic campus, MFT is forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence, and driven to deliver innovation and continuous improvement.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will work as part of the school health team to provide clinical leadership support and professional direction. You will be proactive in identifying service development opportunities in consultation with Team Leads and Heads of Service, participating in developing, monitoring, and evaluating quality standards within the service.

Core Responsibilities

You will assess, allocate, and respond to requests for advice and support to promote and maintain the health and well-being of children and families. Maintaining professional standards of accurate and timely record keeping and storage in line with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines, Data Protection Act, and MFT policies and procedures is essential. You’ll also keep an accurate and up-to-date diary on EMIS and follow Trust policy regarding confidential information.

Leadership and Development

The post holder will have responsibility for completing 1:1’s and appraisals of named staff members to ensure completion of an annual Appraisal and Development Plan. You’ll liaise with partner agencies as appropriate to ensure an effective communication system and promote the safeguarding of children, working within a multi-agency team.

Safeguarding and Record Keeping

You will contribute to the safeguarding arena with report writing in line with trust policies. While primarily working within one team, you 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, with staff required to travel between multiple bases at short notice.

Person Specification

Education and Professional Qualifications

Applicants must be a First level Registered Nurse (degree level) with evidence of post-registration education and training at HE level 6/7. You must be competent as a Practice Assessor/Supervisor and hold either a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse qualification (SN) or a School Nursing Certificate/Diploma.

Essential Experience

You must have demonstrable evidence of professional development and considerable experience working within the safeguarding children arena. Experience in delivering health promotion and health education programmes, along with school nursing experience is essential. You should be able to evidence working with individuals and groups, and have experience managing complex caseloads.

Knowledge and Understanding

Detailed knowledge of health and social care policy relating to children’s services (including safeguarding) and national/local strategies for the school nursing service is required. You should demonstrate understanding of public health issues in Manchester and have a good understanding of the Manchester School Health Service delivery of the Healthy Child Programme.

Skills and Abilities

Other Requirements

IT skills including Microsoft packages, internet access, and electronic record systems are essential. You must be a car owner/driver willing and able to travel citywide for work purposes, including occasional regional/national travel. Flexibility and adaptability to changing service needs, including attending parents evenings, and respect for values, culture and beliefs held by others are required.

Visa and Sponsorship Information

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from international candidates requiring skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. We offer a certificate of sponsorship for qualified candidates. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present a criminal record certificate from each country where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

UK Registration Requirements

Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Overseas professionals must meet the NMC requirements for registration, which includes English language proficiency and a period of supervised practice. We can provide guidance on the registration process as part of the sponsorship package.

Disclosure and Barring Service

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for previous criminal convictions. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to criminal record requirements from countries where they have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

How to Apply

Application Process

To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 349-LCOD-7939761. Complete the online application form, ensuring you provide all required information and supporting documents. Early applications are encouraged as the vacancy may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Required Documents

As part of your application, you will need to provide evidence of your professional qualifications, nursing registration, and proof of eligibility to work in the UK (if already in the country). International candidates should include details of their English language proficiency test results and any relevant criminal record checks from countries where they have resided.

Benefits and Compensation

Salary Details

This position is offered at Band 6 on the Agenda for Change pay scale, with a salary of £39,959 to £48,117 per annum (pro rata). The role includes access to the NHS Pension Scheme, which is one of the most generous in the UK, with employer contributions of up to 14.5% of your salary.

Professional Development

We are committed to the professional development of our staff and offer clear clinical pathways for career progression. As part of your role, you’ll have access to regular supervision, continuing education opportunities, and support for completing any additional qualifications required for the position. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working.

Contact Information

Employer Details

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust operates citywide across Manchester. The main administrative office is located at Stancliffe Road Offices, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 4PJ. For questions about the job, contact Shelley Todd (Team Lead) at shelley.todd@mft.nhs.uk or call 07815654703.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is 17 May 2026. However, we encourage early applications as the vacancy may close early if we receive a high level of interest. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via the email address provided in their application form.

Additional Information

Privacy Notice

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to protecting your personal data. For information about how we process your personal data, please refer to our privacy policy available at https://mft.nhs.uk/privacy-policy/. Your information will be used solely for recruitment purposes and will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.

Diversity and Inclusion

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity, and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are here to support you with any special requirements for your application. If you need any adjustments to help you with your application, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details provided.