Sub-specialty training (NTN grid scheme)

• Those who complete an approved programme of sub-specialist training will be eligible to enter onto the GMC's Specialist Register as a paediatrician (sub-specialist).
• The grid enables workforce planning so that appropriate numbers of sub-specialists are trained, preventing trainees from completing highly-specialised training with little chance of obtaining a consultant post in that sub-specialty.
• The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health runs the NTN Grid Scheme to allow trainees to compete for sub-specialty training programmes available nationally.
• On an annual basis deaneries are asked to submit approved programmes of sub-specialty training to the College for that year's grid matching process.
• Trainees wishing to continue in general paediatric or community child health training can do so within their local deanery training programme.
   

Training requirements and centres 

Sub-specialty Training Requirements(PDF, 49KB, 6 pages) This documents details each sub-specialties training requirements for level 3 grid training.

Grid Centres (PDF, 37KB, 2 pages) This list contains all deaneries with approved grid centres by sub-specialty. Individual hospitals for each sub-specialty programme will be detailed in the programme information for programmes available in the current round.

Sub-specialty training for those outside the UK/EEA

• The NTN grid is only open to UK trainees holding an NTN and those in an equivalent training programme within the EEA.
• Applications from those outside of a UK/EEA training programme will not be eligible. For those outside of the UK/EEA and interested in sub-specialty training you may wish to consider the Medical Training Initiative (Paediatrics)

You can find out more about the NTN Grid under Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) .

2013 grid appointments round information

• Application Period: 12 noon 14 September 2012 - 12 noon 5 October 2012

For those who applied the application forms can still be accessed on the applications page.

The programmes which were available for 2013 can be viewed at sub-specialty programmes.  

• 2013 Full Advert: NTN Grid Advert (PDF, 5KB, 2 pages).
• Interview Period: 26 November 2012 - 7 December 2012 
• Offers made: week commencing 10 December 2012

Dates for the 2014 grid appointments will not be available until later in 2013.
 

Who can apply for the grid?

The below information is related to the 2013 round but please use the below documents as a guide for eligibility for the grid.

• Grid Person Specification 2013 (PDF, 53 KB, 3 pages) The grid is only available to senior trainees who fulfil the essential person specification eligibility criteria for grid training. The person specification may change for each grid round.
   
• Grid Applicant Guide 2013(PDF, 246KB, 28 pages). The applicant guide contains information on the whole 2013 Grid process and further guidance on eligibility. 
   
• If you are looking to apply to neurology and/or neurodisability please note the interviews will be conducted jointly for these sub-specialties. Please read the below guidance detailing the process

Neurology and Neurodisability guidance (PDF, 26KB, 2 pages)

• If you are looking to apply to neonatal medicine grid training then you are also recommended to read the below CSAC documents

CSAC approved posts for higher specialist training (PDF, 24KB, 3 pages)

Points of clarification for specialist training in neonatology  (PDF, 15KB, 1 page)

If you have any queries regarding your eligibility for the grid after talking to your local deanery then please contact Emma Jones - sub-specialty recruitment coordinator as soon as possible. 

If you have a specific sub-specialty training query then contact the relevant CSAC

 2012 grid round information

The below report gives information on the 2012 Grid round including details on appointments made within each sub-specialty. This will be updated for the 2013 grid round in 2013.

Report on National Training Grid 2012(PDF, 147KB, 8 pages).

Information for non-EEA and non-UK doctors

• The Grid is only open to applicants who are already in a paediatric training programme in the UK or EEA.
   
• Anyone wishing to work in the UK must have an immigration status which allows them to do so.
   
• Doctors who are not UK or EEA nationals and whose immigration status entitles them to work without restriction in the UK will be considered on an equal basis with UK and EEA nationals.
   
• Other non-UK or non-EEA nationals with limited leave to remain in the UK and whose employment will require Tier 2 sponsorship are subject to the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). Those requiring Tier 2 sponsorship are able to apply to the NTN Grid, however appointment to the grid will be subject to the pool of appointable UK / EEA nationals and non UK/EEA nationals entitled to work in the UK without restriction being exhausted.
   
• Evidence of immigration status should normally consist of a date-stamped passport and accompanying letter from the Home Office. These documents need to be current at the application closing date and shortlisted candidates must be able to provide evidence of their immigration status at interview.

Trainees who do not have settled status in the UK should contact their Deanery to discuss whether they are eligible to apply for the grid.

For further information, go to the Home Office website.  Immigration rules are subject to change by the UK Borders Agency. 

For any questions contact Emma Jones, Sub-specialty recruitment coordinator

Phone: 020 7092 6139