Trainee Children and Young Peoples Early Years Practitioner with Sponsorship: Apply Now

Be part of a team shaping brighter futures for children and families through early intervention and compassionate mental health support.

Location: Sunderland or South Tyneside
Type: Fixed term, full-time (12 months)
Salary (£): £38,682 to £46,580 per year (Band 6, Agenda for Change)

About South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
They’re a trusted NHS organisation serving around 430,000 residents, known for award-winning teams and a positive, people-first culture. Their commitment to respect, fairness and civility defines everything they do. Staff wellbeing and professional growth sit at the heart of their mission, with access to flexible working, training, and a supportive environment that encourages research, innovation and inclusivity.

Job details

Benefits

• Fully funded postgraduate diploma – complete your Infant and Early Years Practitioner qualification at Manchester University
• Accredited Video Interaction Guidance training – develop evidence-based therapeutic skills to support healthy attachment
• Comprehensive travel support – all training-related travel costs covered
• Flexible working – hybrid delivery with structured supervision and support
• Professional growth – join a team that values learning and compassionate care

Requirements

• Professional qualification in teaching, nursing, health visiting, social work, counselling, AHP, or psychological therapy
• Experience supporting children, young people, and families in community or educational settings
• Strong understanding of child mental health, safeguarding, and welfare
• Confidence engaging with vulnerable and underserved populations
• Proven organisational and communication skills with ability to manage caseloads
• Good IT literacy including Microsoft Office
• Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Willingness to undertake and complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Training – Infant and Early Years Practitioner Curriculum

Salary Details

Band 6 on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scheme, starting at £38,682 and rising to £46,580 depending on experience.

About the Role

This trainee post offers a unique opportunity to combine academic study with hands-on clinical experience. Working within one of the Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) teams, you’ll deliver evidence-based psychological interventions for infants, children and their families. The role is part of a structured 12-month training pathway where you’ll learn to use Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) and other therapies that foster parent-child attachment and emotional wellbeing.

You’ll split your week between teaching (1.5 days), supervision (0.5 days), and clinical practice (3 days) while contributing to a compassionate multidisciplinary team focused on early years mental health. Every day, your work will help families strengthen connections, improve resilience, and build healthier beginnings.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver psychological interventions to infants, children, and families using evidence-based approaches that promote early development
• Work within multidisciplinary CYPMHS teams to assess and support complex emotional needs
• Contribute to the Parent-Infant pathway and uphold best practice in attachment-focused care
• Manage caseloads effectively while maintaining accurate records and progress reports
• Engage with diverse populations, ensuring equal access to quality mental health support
• Participate actively in training, supervision, and reflective practice to enhance professional growth
• Support the service in meeting key clinical and educational outcomes

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required before appointment.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

They’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from people of all backgrounds. They particularly encourage candidates from under-represented groups and are committed to providing a compassionate, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Employer Details

• Company Name: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
• Address: Valley Road Community School, Corporation Road, Sunderland, SR2 8PL
• Contact: Lesley Gammell, Clinical Lead – lesley.gammell@nhs.net

Reference Number: C9155-CMAHP-1025-15

How To Apply:
Interested in making a real impact on the lives of children and families? Submit your application early to secure your place on the January 2026 training programme.