Aim To deliver a high quality, trainee led regional teaching programme for level 3 paediatric trainees and develop it to meet changing needs.

Method The Senior Paediatric Regional Advanced Training (SPRAT) programme is designed, led and organised entirely by a committee of ST6–8 trainees, with Training Programme Director guidance. Each training day is mapped to level 3 learning outcomes. The programme is available to all 111 ST6–8 trainees in our region. Training is delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, ensuring accessibility to trainees in less than full time training. Attendance at SPRAT is non-mandatory; trainees are given a choice as 34% are in Grid training or Out of Programme and may prioritise other educational events to match their individual career paths. Developments this year are in response to an on-line survey of ST6–8 trainees, and introduction of level three standards – ‘develop professional expertise, analyse and evaluate knowledge, teach and develop others’ as per Progress, the new RCPCH curriculum.

Results 26 trainees responded to the survey, 54% were ST6 grade. 31% trainees requested teaching on specialities (cardiology, nephrology and hepatology) with limited opportunities for placements in our region. 50% wanted more teaching on non-clinical topics such as management and ethics, and 81% prefer a mix of clinical and non-clinical topics on each day. 15 SPRAT days were delivered from January to September 2018. Teaching on clinical topics was focused on recent advances and newer therapies. Level 3 safeguarding training delivered biannually, drew the highest attendance, followed by respiratory/communication and nephrology/ethics. Introduction of training in skills key to consultant responsibilities includes workshops on medicolegal challenges, ‘consultant readiness’, motivational interviewing and supportive supervision. The overwhelmingly positive feedback – excellent (59%) or good (37%), and comments such as ‘…has changed my practice….’ reflects the SPRAT programme’s success.

Conclusion SPRAT is a successful trainee led regional teaching programme as it is bespoke to our regional needs. The ethos at its core is ‘training tomorrow’s consultants’.