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The gates to career progression for CNNs within the NHS appear to be locked, with few opportunities for promotion and little motivation to train and develop
Band-5 community nursery nurse (CNN) roles, offering leadership opportunities, have been established in some primary care trusts (PCTs). But despite interest from many CNNs in routes to progress their careers, these remain scarce within the NHS. According to Unite/CPHVA's CNN Forum, there are a very small number of senior CNNs in England, and no record of them in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
A reason to train
Margaret Turner- Bone is one of the UK's few band-5 CNNs, and states: 'No matter how much extra training a CNN undertakes, it is not recognised and she will continue to be paid at the rate of a band-4 nurse. This could deter CNNs from undertaking any sort of extra training that could be of benefit to the wider community.'
Unite/CPHVA CNN Forum chair Barbara Evans notes: 'Some PCTs have created band-5 senior CNN roles, with greater leadership responsibility, and this includes supervision and mentorship. However, PCTs are providing nowhere near enough of these roles. A CNN would need to change jobs or leave the NHS entirely if they wanted more opportunities for career progression.'
She adds: 'Some CNNs have applied for other childcare roles in Sure Starts and children's centres. Often, there is less responsibility, they are paid at a higher rate, and there are more chances for promotion to children's centre manager. These centres are usually managed by local councils, but the lack of opportunity is a major problem within the NHS.'
CNN leaders
Theresa Taylor was appointed as a band-5 senior CNN after NHS Ealing recognised a gap in its community health service. She states: 'There was an increase in CNN applicants, who were needed to help target the large numbers of hard-to-reach families in Southall neighbourhood. The trust therefore developed the senior CNN role in order...