To: Head of School of Paediatrics & TPDs, East of England Deanery

Dear Colleagues,

We, paediatrics trainees in the East of England, respectfully request a review of the current £1000/year study budget cap.

This cap restricts access to many valuable but non-mandatory training opportunities that are essential for career progression, SPIN/GRID development, and academic growth. Course costs have risen significantly, with many exceeding the current annual limit:

SPIN/GRID courses (e.g. neonatal neuroimaging, child protection): £600–£1500

Specialty simulation or leadership courses: £400–£900

Academic skills or research/QI training: £500–£1200

National conferences: £300–£900 (excluding travel/accommodation)

The current cap means many trainees can attend only one substantial course per year, which discourages clinical curiosity, academic engagement, and fair access to development opportunities. This has become a growing source of inequity.

We also note that other deaneries (e.g. London, West Midlands, Scotland) do not apply a strict annual limit, but assess funding requests based on educational value and relevance to training.

In the long run, compared to our fellow trainees in other deaneries we will be at a disadvantage in consultant Jobs, SPIN and GRID Applications.

 A more flexible and needs-based approach would better support our development.

We respectfully request:

A review and potential increase of the £1000/year cap
Flexibility to access additional funding for essential high-cost courses
Transparent and consistent approval processes across Trusts
We are committed to high-quality, reflective, and well-rounded paediatric training and hope the funding model can reflect and support this.

Sincerely,
EOE Paediatrics Trainees