Guidance

NHS population screening: education and training

Resources to support screening professionals in their initial training and continuing professional development (CPD).

Use this guide to:

  • download tools to help explain screening
  • access e-learning
  • access programme specific training
  • sign up for screening training

e-Learning

Most e-learning for the NHS screening programmes is available on the e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) website. This includes the introduction to population screening module, which explains what screening is and how screening programmes are implemented in the NHS.

We also have an All our Health module on population screening, which is ideal for health and care practitioners who do not work directly in screening to find out more about the NHS screening programmes and what they can do to support them.

Neither of these modules require registration.

Screening programme resources

Read further training information on GOV.UK about the:

Antenatal and newborn screening timeline

The antenatal and newborn timeline shows optimum times for NHS antenatal and newborn screening tests to take place.

Antenatal and newborn screening timeline

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email england.contactus@nhs.net. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Health screening module

The popular health screening course is delivered at master’s level (20 CAT points). Warwick Medical School run this course annually and teaching is supported by expert academic staff and staff from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC).

The course is ideal to enhance professional development, knowledge of screening or to study as part of an overall MSc programme.

Covering the underlying epidemiological principles, as well as ethics and policy issues, it will help those who commission, run or evaluate screening programmes locally and nationally, as well as helping those interested in policy and practice in population screening.

The course is designed for a broad range of individuals including:

  • health professionals
  • commissioners
  • policy makers
  • screening stakeholders
  • those undertaking broad-based public health training
  • staff working in screening programmes

The next module runs from Monday 13 November to Friday 17 November 2023. Visit the University of Warwick website for further details.

Bursaries

Information about a small number of bursaries to support study (course fees only) is published each summer on the UK NSC blog.

Sign up for alerts to the UK NSC blog to receive a notification when the latest bursary information is available.

Screening masterclass

The screening masterclass is for staff working in public health who are responsible for commissioning, managing or delivering national screening programmes for their local populations. It is also suitable for screening leads within NHS provider trusts.

Masterclasses are held virtually and led by a team of screening experts. Sessions are interactive and use a variety of teaching methods, including case studies and practical exercises.

Course content

The day session includes information on:

  • what screening is (and is not)
  • defining a high-quality screening service
  • how to be an effective public health practitioner
  • an overview of policy and practice of current NHS screening programmes
  • the role and remit of the UK NSC
  • quality assurance (QA) in action
  • how to identify common problems, and share experiences

The masterclass is free, however places are limited. Email phe.screeningmasterclass@nhs.net if you would like to book a place.

Screening e-learning module

The module on screening covers the evaluation and delivery of screening. It is aimed at both new and experienced practitioners.

The module is written by Dr Angela Raffle. It contains useful information and evidence relating to screening, as well as examples of how this can be applied as part of daily practice.

Neonatal and paediatric intensive care units: learning resource

Download the NICU and PICU resource if you work in a:

  • neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
  • paediatric intensive care unit (PICU)

To support you in ensuring the infants and babies in your care are offered screening in a timely manner, use this self-directed tool to:

  • get an overview of screening within the NICU and PICU environment
  • work through scenarios and examples

When you’ve used the resource, make sure to reflect on your learning and use it as evidence of continuing professional development.

Antenatal and newborn screening resource

This interactive presentation replaces the pocket-sized resource cards that used to be provided to midwives. It includes important information on all the antenatal and newborn screening programmes, with illustrations and links to films, e-learning and other resources.

Use the resource to:

  • discuss screening with women and their families
  • facilitate informed choices

Student midwife pack

This resource was previously distributed in hard copy to all new student midwives at the start of each academic year. We have now made the information electronic in line with ‘digital first’ and to enable content to be up-to-date at all times. It contains links to education and training resources, an explanation of recessive inheritance and a copy of the interactive resource information for midwives to use with women to support informed choice.

Sense about Science has published a useful guide called Making Sense of Screening. This helps people to weigh up the benefits and harms of health-screening programmes. Professor Anne Mackie, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) Director of Screening, was one of the contributors to the guide.

Published 8 December 2017
Last updated 11 July 2023 + show all updates
  1. Updated the section on bursaries for the health screening module to signpost to the UK NSC blog for the latest information, rather than this page.

  2. Added dates for the 2023 health screening module and when details for the bursary process will be posted. Updated details for applying for a place on the screening masterclass.

  3. Updated the health screener module section to say that the process for bursary applications for the 2022 intake has now closed.

  4. Removed the section on the Warwick health screening one-day workshop as it is not running at the moment.

  5. Updated the closing date for bursary applications to 5 September 2022.

  6. Added the dates for the 2022 Warwick health screening module and how to apply for a bursary.

  7. Updated the chapter about the Warwick health screening module to remove references to the 2021 course and add a holding line about the 2022 one.

  8. Updated the section relating to the Warwick health screening module.

  9. Added link to the new All our Health module on population screening.

  10. Updated information about the Warwick health screening module funding.

  11. Updated information on the screening masterclasses.

  12. Link to online form added for people to apply for the 2021 Warwick health screening module.

  13. Updated the section about the Warwick health screening module with 2021 date.

  14. Replaced NHS screening timeline with new publication and updated information on Warwick health screening course places because applications for funding for 2019 have now closed.

  15. Added information on screening masterclass and e-learning module.

  16. Added deadline date for applying for a bursary for Warwick module funding.

  17. Added details of 'Warwick health screening module' timetable.

  18. Added link to 'Making Sense of Screening' guide on the Sense about Science charity website.

  19. Added information on 'antenatal and newborn screening resource'.

  20. Closing date added for applications for funded places on Warwick screening module.

  21. Added links for Warwick health screening module funding application, course details and timetable.

  22. Added online masterclass resource information.

  23. Added information about the student midwife pack.

  24. First published.