Using placements to teach on children's development

Student children's nurses have limited opportunities to gain practical knowledge in normal child development. An initiative involving local non-healthcare organisations that provide care and education to the under-fives was introduced at a London university. This allowed student children's nurses to gain practical experience in meeting the needs of the well child, and to understand normal developmental milestones. Feedback from students and the organisations involved showed positive benefit. Plans are under way to extend the initiative to older children and young people.