Paediatric sub-specialty Training
GRID Training
​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sub-specialty training in paediatrics is also known as GRID training. It can be undertaken during Level 3 (ST5-8) training, although applications are at the beginning of ST4 or ST5.
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It is worth thinking about this early in your career, as it takes time to explore options and to prepare applications for a competitive national recruitment system.
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The RCPCH website is an excellent resource for information on GRID training programmes:
SPIN Training
An alternative to GRID training is SPIN (SPecial INterest) Training.
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SPIN Training involves a 12-18 month placement in a specialty, which would mean that when applying as a consultant, you could demonstrate expertise in a particular area. SPIN, like GRID, is carried out during Level 3 (ST6-8).
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The RCPCH has a guide on their website, for trainees interested in finding out which specialties you can do a SPIN module in and how it works. Each SPIN module has an extra curriculum or framework that a trainee will complete during their time in the specialty.
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We encourage you to contact the TPD for GRID/SPIN/OOP (Careers) or ST4+ TPD if you have any specific queries or concerns about applying and undertaking a SPIN module.
Support for trainees
The trainee committee have developed a number of resources to support West Midlands trainees with both GRID and SPIN applications. These are password protected. We also host webinars throughout the year which can be booked via our Events page.​​
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Passwords can be found in the description section of the WM Paeds Facebook group and the WM School of Paediatrics Newsletter.
Top tip
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It is important to state your preferences in the 'Placement Preference Forms' to communicate to the TPD for ST5-7, especially if you are applying in ST5 so they can consider allocating you ST6 placements which may potentially be back-dated for GRID training if necessary.
We would strongly encourage trainees to contact consultants/ current trainees in their field of interest for advice, to get a better idea of what the application and sub-specialty training processes are like, as well as to find out more about the career options beyond CCT. Some specialities are only practiced in centralised tertiary centres, which makes locations more limited.