Service Description

This interactive one-day CPD accredited course is designed to support clinicians in recognising early signs of deterioration in infants and children and responding effectively to prevent harm and improve patient outcomes. Delivered by an experienced Paediatric Specialist Nurse and Advanced Nurse Practitioner, the course focuses on the practical application of assessment skills, early warning systems, and clinical judgement in real-world paediatric settings. Participants will develop a structured approach to recognising subtle changes in a child’s condition, interpreting physiological signs, and escalating concerns promptly and confidently. The course incorporates paediatric early warning principles (PEWS), practical assessment techniques, and scenario-based learning. Who Should Attend • Nurses, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Associates in hospital, primary care, community or hospice settings • Allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, dietitians, and paramedics • Royal Army Military Services nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals • Clinicians working with children, infants, or babies • Healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their paediatric assessment skills • Newly qualified or returning clinicians looking to refresh their skills Course Content • Understanding deterioration in children • Why children deteriorate differently from adults • Common causes of deterioration in paediatric patients • The importance of early recognition and intervention Structured assessment of the unwell child • Systematic ABCDE assessment approach • Recognising subtle changes in behaviour and physiology • Identifying early warning signs of clinical deterioration Paediatric Early Warning Systems (PEWS) • Overview of PEWS and its purpose • Interpreting PEWS scores effectively • Using PEWS alongside clinical judgement • When and how to escalate concerns Recognising red flags and high-risk situations • Key clinical red flags in infants and children • Signs of sepsis, respiratory failure and circulatory compromise • Understanding deterioration trends over time Escalation and communication • Escalating concerns confidently and promptly • Using structured communication tools (e.g. SBAR) • Overcoming common barriers to escalation Scenario-based learning • Interactive clinical scenarios based on real practice • Group discussion and decision-making • Applying learning to everyday clinical situations