To be part of this exciting project we are inviting Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs), Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and General Practices (GPs) to submit their expressions of interest
The North East London (NEL) Training Hub, in partnership with Starlight (the UK’s leading charity for play in healthcare), is pleased to invite expressions of interest from INTs, PCNs, and GP Practices to access dedicated support from a new Community Practice Educator.
Starting in December 2026, this fully funded, 3-year role will be embedded within the NEL Training Hub to upskill primary care colleagues in evidence-based, child-centred care and play-based interventions. Grounded in Health Play Specialism, the role bridges the gap in community psychosocial support for children—building practitioner confidence, transforming healthcare environments, improving paediatric outcomes, and reducing unnecessary hospital referrals in line with NHS 10-Year Plan priorities.
What the Role Will Do:
- Deliver Hands-On Training & Mentoring: Provide formal group sessions, bite-sized workshops, and side-by-side clinical coaching for primary care staff.
- Teach Playful & Child-Centred Techniques: Train clinicians in evidence-based health play approaches to reduce child distress, manage procedural anxiety, and prepare children for clinical interventions.
- Transform Physical Care Spaces: Conduct environmental reviews to help practices design child-friendly, accessible treatment spaces and waiting areas.
Key Benefits for Practices, Networks, and Patients:
- Enhanced Workforce Confidence: Upskills Practice Nurses, GPs, HCAs, and administrative staff to manage challenging pediatric interactions with confidence.
- Better Clinical Outcomes & Efficiency: Reduces procedural distress, lowers appointment times for anxious children, and decreases appointment refusal or cancellation rates.
- Reduced Secondary Care Referrals: Supports more children effectively in primary care without requiring referrals to hospital play teams or acute pediatric services—aligning directly with NHS 10-Year Plan priorities.
- Flexible & Fully Funded Support: Delivers expert training, resource guidance, and evaluation support to your network at no cost to your practices.
As this full-time role will work with a selected cohort of teams at a time, tell us about your local priorities and why your network would benefit from this expert input!
If you would like to be part of this project and nominate your practice/PCN/INT please fill out this form by 2nd October to get your INT, PCN, or Practice on board.
Any Questions? Contact us at
thgpcg.neltraininghub@nhs.netWe will contact you, w/c 12th October.