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Last updated: 24 April 2026
Whilst there is no statutory right to request flexible working arrangements, we recognise that Health & Social Care courses, in particular, can create additional complications for students with additional responsibilities. The information on this page provides students with guidance on policies and processes for flexible working requests.
Students are welcome to discuss their additional responsibilities, such as caring responsibilities, with their placement areas, and the allocated Coach in Practice can help with this conversation if required. Practice partners will do their best to make accommodations; however, there are several limitations that students must be aware of. These include things like:
The university is unable to support any student request that could impact patient safety, e.g. late starts to shift if handover will be missed. Similarly, we are not able to support requests for fixed working days.
Although flexibility is not guaranteed, placement providers may choose to offer limited flexibility where service needs allow. Any such arrangements are discretionary, short-term, and subject to change. They should not be expected and cannot be regarded as a standard or ongoing adjustment to usual shift expectations.
The placements’ decisions about shift patterns will always be guided by:
Where a proposed shift pattern, such as late shifts only, limits access to essential learning opportunities, such as ward rounds, multidisciplinary meetings, admissions, or discharges, it would be reasonable for the placement or the University to decline such an arrangement.
Student Responsibility and Course Readiness
As part of being course-ready, all students are expected to ensure that appropriate childcare arrangements are in place to enable full engagement with academic and placement requirements.
Childcare and Reasonable Adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, childcare responsibilities are not a protected characteristic. As such, they do not meet the criteria for reasonable adjustments. While the University is committed to supporting students, we are not able to make mandatory adjustments to placement requirements solely on the basis of childcare.
NMC and other PSRB Placement Requirements
The NMC and other PSRBs set clear standards for pre-registration Nursing and AHP programmes. The NMC, for example, expects that all students experience the full 24-hour nature of nursing care, which includes exposure to a range of shift patterns, such as early, late, night, and weekend shifts. This is essential to meet the required proficiencies for registration. For this reason, the University cannot require placement providers to restrict students to specific or “school-friendly” hours, nor can placement providers be obligated to offer fixed shift patterns to accommodate childcare needs.
Safe Learning Environment Charter
The Safe Learning Environment Charter provides guidance which has been incorporated into this policy
Although reasonable adjustments cannot be made on the grounds of childcare, the University can offer support and guidance in exploring childcare options:
University Childcare Advice Service
Phone: 01242 714055
Email: [email protected]
They can advise on local childcare options and support parents with complex caring responsibilities.
Financial Support
You may be eligible for financial assistance such as the Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance, subject to household income and existing benefits.
For tailored advice, please contact the Money Advice Team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01242 714535 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
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