Individualizing Your Training

Tailoring your paediatric journey to your needs

Your Training, Your Path

Your training period is a crucial decade for both personal growth and career development. We understand that everyone's needs and experiences are unique, and as a trainee you have access to special opportunities to personalize your journey and broaden your horizons, make the most of them!

Opportunities to Personalize

Less Than Full Time (LTFT)

Common options are 80%, 60%, or 50% Whole Time Equivalent (WTE). This allows you to reduce your clinical hours (e.g., 80% LTFT means 36 hours/week if standard is 45). You also receive a £1000 'top-up' to your annual salary. For further information, visit the HEE KSS Less Than Full Time Training page.

Out Of Programme (OOP)

Explore four types of OOP: Training (OOPT), Experience (OOPE), Research (OOPR), and Career Break (OOPC). These allow for dedicated time away from standard clinical rotations. For further information, visit the HEE KSS Out of Programme page.

Flexible Portfolio Training (FPT)

An FPT allows you to dedicate 20% of your time to a specific project. You continue to progress at your WTE while working clinically for a reduced percentage (e.g., 80% of your 80% WTE). For further information, visit the HEE KSS Flexible Portfolio Training page.

Exiting Training

While not a decision to be taken lightly, exiting training is always an option. It's important to speak with your Training Programme Director (TPD) early if you are considering this path.

Subspecialising in KSS

For trainees interested in pursuing a specific area of expertise, paediatric GRID training offers a structured pathway to subspecialisation.

What is GRID Training?

GRID training in paediatrics refers to highly specialized training pathways that lead to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in a specific subspecialty. It provides in-depth experience and knowledge beyond general paediatrics. Trainees typically apply for GRID training during their ST4 or ST5 years, through a national recruitment process.

GRID Specialties in KSS:

Neonatology

Neonatal GRID trainees in KSS will have rotations across:

  • King's College Hospital, Medway Maritime Hospital, and Royal Sussex County Hospital.
    • OR
  • King's College Hospital, Ashford, St. Peter’s Hospital, and Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Paediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM)

PEM trainees' rotations are primarily in-post and based primarily in Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals, with a six-month rotational post in University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Community Paediatrics

Community GRID training is currently available in Kent and Sussex only.

Fast Track / Accelerating Training

For trainees who demonstrate exceptional performance, it may be possible to accelerate your paediatric training, reducing the overall time to achieve your CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training).

Eligibility & Reduction

Training acceleration is possible at progression points, with a maximum reduction of one year. Trainees must demonstrate performance significantly beyond their current grade, showcasing exceptional capabilities and confidence across varied clinical scenarios.

Application Process

The process involves self-appraisal, discussions with your supervisor, and a minimum 6-month notice period before requesting fast-tracking. The ARCP (Annual Review of Competence Progression) panel makes the final decision based on your e-portfolio evidence.

For more detailed information on accelerating your training, please refer to the London Paediatrics Fast Track / Accelerating Training page.