Flying Start NHS® development programme

Learner Guides - Introduction

The Flying Start NHS® development programme has been developed to encourage each newly qualified practitioner to create an individual portfolio based on broad learning outcomes. The focus for each learner will be different depending upon their profession, the setting they work in and their individual development needs. Coming straight from university, some practitioners have found making the transition from structured to more self-directed learning difficult to master. This guidance is intended to support learners and mentors in making the transition to becoming a self-directed lifelong learner.

This guidance is not intended to be prescriptive – it simply offers some milestones and review points along the way which may help to plan and structure how each learner approaches the programme. You may find it useful to access the newly qualified practitioner leaflet which can be found on the Latest News section of the website.

The Learning journey has been broken down into smaller intervals of time, but still mirrors the NHS KSF development review cycle which the programme supports. This guidance can be used to review what has been achieved so far and to plan the next stage of the learner’s journey. Learners and mentors may wish to use this guidance to keep on track, to problem-solve, or to counteract feeling overwhelmed by the volume of content.

There are a few key points which will support both learners and their mentors to get the best out of the programme:

  • Not all learning activities need to be completed. The activities menus are designed for learners to choose the ones which best suit their needs and learning style.
  • The learning outcomes and all 10 concluding activities do need to be completed
  • The programme is most heavily weighted to Communication, Teamwork, Reflective Practice and Safe Practice – these units should be continued over the full 12 months of the programme
  • Flying Start NHS® will not attempt to go into detail of the clinical skills required for each practitioner – this will be done locally perhaps using a skills competency based approach
  • Being mentored through the programme means time to reflect, time to work alongside more experienced practitioners, and to review the goals which have been jointly agreed. It is recommended that you work 2-4 hours per month with your mentor however, this can vary to suit your individual needs
  • A portfolio should include evidence of all 10 learning units being completed with any associated learning from other courses, for example clinical competency development
  • The programme concludes with the NHS KSF Foundation review, no later than one year from the start date in NHS Scotland