Why do we have a Paediatric Return to Acute Clinical Practice (PRACP) Course?

Returning to acute clinical practice whether it is post maternity leave, research, OOPE or career break is daunting for the best of us.  There is the worry that your clinical knowledge is rusty, your resuscitation skills are not up-to-scratch and that new changes in paediatrics and training have passed you by.  Add to that any number of possible stressful factors: a new baby, a PhD to finish writing up, the challenges of working part-time, dealing with ongoing health issues, juggling academia and on-call rotas etc etc it is no wonder that many health professionals find the transition difficult. BUT… help is at hand with the PRACP course!

What does the PRACP Course involve?

This course developed by the London School of Paediatrics  is open to all members of multi-professional team returning to acute paediatrics.  The multi-professional and multi-level aspect lends itself well to simulation sessions to provide a stress-free opportunity in a safe environment to practice resuscitation and team working skills.  The course will include:

• High fidelity paediatric simulation scenarios
• Hot topics talk: signposting to key updates in paediatrics
• Workshops addressing issues associated with flexible training, academic training and completing work-place based assessments, eportfolio and the RCPCH curriculum
• Resilience workshop supported by a clinical psychologist discussing self-care, mindfulness and ways to try and balance work and life
• An opportunity to network with other trainees returning and the course faculty with signposting to mentoring support

Who is at aimed at?

This course is aimed at anyone returning to acute paediatrics after a break for whatever reason and is open to other paediatric healthcare professionals as well as doctors.

Covid update:

The PRACP course will continue to run through the Covid-19 pandemic. We have amended the course to ensure it continues to run but adheres to. social distancing guidance.  The courses for July and August are now available as virtual courses.  We recognise the importance of face to f ace simulation and so are including a face to face 'laser simulation' session  at each centre for those who wish to attend.  It will be hosted in small groups with face masks made available and adherence to 2m social distancing rules. For any questions around this, please email returntoacutepractice@gmail.com

Training Dates, Venue and Booking Information

These training days are free and will now be run SIX  times per year in each London sector.  Information on courses currently planned for 2020 is available here:

To book onto the upcoming training day please register here:

PRACP Resources

PRACP Planned Absence Checklist

PRACP Return to Work checklist

PRACP educational supervisor guide

PRACP useful websites and apps

WBPA and LTFT training presentation

NHS guide to pay during parental leave