After completing a SPIN module, you can act as a local lead within your service and contribute to the clinical networks that support children and young people who need specialist paediatric care.
Most SPIN modules take about 12 months to complete when undertaken full time. They are not stand-alone training programmes, are not recognised by the General Medical Council, and cannot be used as a criterion for consultant appointments.
Applications next open in November.
Updates since the SPIN review
Our SPIN Working Group completed its review of all SPIN modules and processes in summer 2026. This involved regular communication between CSACs (College Specialty Advisory Committees), SPIN Leads and Heads of School, and reported to the College's Training and Quality Board.
We simplified the application process.
We established criteria for the SPIN curricula, which aligns to our Progress+ training curriculum's Learning Outcomes and key capabilities. Each SPIN curricula will have three to five learning outcomes that can be achieved within the 12-month period of a SPIN module (if working full time). The CSACs are now updating their SPIN curricula, and once ready we will publish on this page and add to ePortfolio.
Two types of SPIN
This remains unchanged following the SPIN review.
- SPIN in training for Specialty level PGDiT following the Progress+ training pathway: Additional training and experience in a clinical area, completed in 12 months (if full time) during specialty level training. Once you complete the SPIN and paediatric training, you can apply for posts as a General Paediatrician with a special expertise. You can apply from ST4, but can only start SPIN from ST5 (Specialty level).
- Post-completion SPIN for paediatricians on the GMC specialist register: Additional training and experience in a clinical area, completed in 12 months to five years.
SPIN modules: curricula and supervisor handbooks
Below are the current SPIN modules, with links to the downloadable curricula and supervisor handbooks.
We are currently revising the curricula, and will update this page once ready. You may be asked to move to the new version when ready.
We are also waiting for completion of some supervisor handbooks, and will update this page once ready.
How to apply: for PGDiT
If you are a postgraduate doctor in training (paediatrics) at ST4 or above, you can apply for SPIN during one of application periods in a year:
- May – for an August/September start (of the same year)
- November – for a February/March start (of the following year)
Since our SPIN review, we have simplified the application process, which will be managed at a local level.
First, you will need to discuss your intention to apply for SPIN with your Training Programme Director (TPD). You will follow your hospital's application process.
You will need to complete the RCPCH SPIN training placement notification form, signed by your TPD. This form will be available on ePortfolio when applications are open (in May or November each year). The form will ask you to confirm that you have discussed counting retrospective evidence (up to six months is permitted) with the SPIN Lead or CSAC for that module.
If you are undertaking a paediatric sub-specialty, we recommend you do not do a SPIN module at the same time. If you want to do this, discuss with the relevant CSAC for the SPIN who will explore feasibility.
If you are applying for the cardiology SPIN, this process is a bit different. You will need to let the College know of your intention and get approval from your cardiology TPD. We can then give you access to the form and you won't need to apply at a particular time.
How to apply: for Post-completion doctors
If you have completed your specialty training, you can apply for SPIN at any time, as long as you have completed training or been entered on the GMC Specialist Register.
You will need support from a Trust figure with authority to approve job plans, such as a medical director or clinical director. This signatory is required to confirm your suitability for the SPIN and that your faculty are prepared to provide the training and enable you to acquire experience.
You will need to have an account on RCPCH ePortfolio, where you can access and complete the SPIN application form and manage your SPIN training. Use of RCPCH ePortfolio has an additional charge of £130 per year (or £78 per year for less than full time working).
To request access to ePortfolio and the SPIN application form, please contact the Training Services team on the RCPCH Help Centre.
How to evidence your Learning Outcomes
Once you start your SPIN module, you will need to upload evidence that demonstrates you are meeting its Learning Outcomes to RCPCH ePortfolio. We provide instructions on using ePortfolio and how to tag to your SPIN.
Your SPIN supervisor will regularly meet with you and monitor your capability acquisition in ePortfolio. You will also complete a SPIN Personal Development Plan (PDP) and a mid-point review form, which are on ePortfolio, with your SPIN supervisor or CSAC lead.
You can collect and record this evidence for up to five years until you complete your SPIN.
How to complete your SPIN module
Once you finish your SPIN module, you can complete the SPIN completion report on ePortfolio and send to your SPIN supervisor.
Once your SPIN supervisor signs off the completion report, we will send to the SPIN Lead for final review within eight weeks.
Once the SPIN Lead has confirmed you have successfully completed your SPIN module, we will issue the SPIN completion certificate.
You only have 12 months from the end of your SPIN completion to be eligible to receive a certificate for SPIN completion.
FAQs
- Do I need to be a RCPCH member for the period I am undertaking a SPIN module?
Yes. PGDiT will already have College membership with ePortfolio access as part of their training.
Post-completion paediatricians will be required to have College membership with ePortfolio access for the duration of the SPIN. This is because the doctor will be required to evidence their SPIN via the ePortfolio. Please see, How to apply: for Post-completion doctors section above for further information.
It is not possible to acquire ePortfolio access without College membership.
- I am a SAS doctor or career grade doctor. Can I apply for a SPIN module?
As the SPIN modules are built on assumed knowledge and capability acquisition of the UK curriculum, we do not currently offer SPIN modules to other doctors.
- How long does SPIN training take?
PGDiTs: The SPIN training time is about 12 months full-time, though this is purely indicative based on usual training placements and rotations.
Post-completion paediatricians: The SPIN training time ranges from 12 months to five years, depending on existing working arrangements.
You will be given access to the SPIN module on your ePortfolio account for five years.
- For how long would I have access to the SPIN module?
Everyone is automatically given five years access to the SPIN module. This covers ‘life events’ such a working less than full time or taking parental leave, etc.
If you need longer than five years, you can request this via the CSAC Lead or SPIN Lead for that module. This is only considered in exceptional circumstances.
- Are the SPIN modules GMC accredited?
No, SPIN modules are not recognised by the General Medical Council. However, we adhere to GMC curricula principles in new SPINs revised with learning outcomes and key capabilities.
PGDiT in general paediatrics will enter the GMC specialist register with paediatrics when signed off for training by local ARCP panels and RCPCH Officer for Training and Quality.
- Can I count retrospective evidence towards my SPIN?
PGDiTs: You can request to count small amounts of retrospective evidence from your Specialty level training completed before your SPIN application (up to six months). You must be undertaking the majority of your SPIN module prospectively and we cannot consider fully retrospective applications.
Post-completion paediatricians: You must ensure that you describe which SPIN requirements you have already met and how you will maintain these while completing your SPIN. You will need to detail what requirements you have outstanding and how you will achieve these. Indicatively, retrospective evidence older than five years is unlikely to be considered current enough for a SPIN module and should be commensurate with Specialty level curriculum capabilities.
There is no guarantee that your retrospective experience will be approved and this is at the discretion of the CSAC/ SPIN lead and will be evaluated when you come to complete your SPIN.
- Who can act as SPIN supervisor?
Your SPIN supervisor will monitor your capability acquisition through ePortfolio and regular one-to-one meetings. (For cardiology SPINs, your SPIN supervisor must be a paediatric cardiologist. For epilepsy SPINs, your SPIN supervisor must be a paediatric neurologist.)
Your Education Supervisor can remain as longitudinal supervisor throughout, and does not need to be in the parent sub-specialty.
Your Clinical Supervisor must be a consultant within the parent sub-specialty.
- Is there any support or guidance for SPIN supervisors?
Each CSAC/SPIN has recently developed a supervisor handbook to support supervisors within their SPIN module. These can be found in the above section, SPIN modules: curricula and supervisor handbooks.
- Can I view the SPIN Training Placement Notification Form and what it entails prior to submission?
The form will be available on your ePortfolio account for the duration of May and November only.
The form will be significantly reduced from the previous SPIN application form as each Deanery already has their own application process/procedure in place. This has allowed us to remove sections such as ‘personal motivation, service need and suitability’ making it more straightforward than before.
Our notification form is a tool to notify our team that you require access to the relevant SPIN module on your ePortfolio and to keep record that you have TPD approval to undertake the SPIN.
- I’m about to CCT and my SPIN has not been completed. What can I do?
Don’t worry. The SPIN is not reviewed at ARCP. You can also continue your SPIN after your CCT if you so wish.
When we process your CCT application we will also change your access on ePortfolio to that of an Educational supervisor / Clinical supervisor, but with access to your SPIN.
- I’ve read the guidance on this page and the SPIN Handbook but still have questions, who can I contact for help?
If you have any questions or need support on the College processes and using ePortfolio, contact the Training Services team on the RCPCH Help Centre.
If you have a question about a SPIN module, contact the CSAC/SPIN Lead directly: see CSAC contacts.
If you have a question about local process or placement, contact your TPD/HoS/Deanery.