Middlesex nursing students working with practice supervisors in a clinical simulation suite’

Practice Based Learning Unit

The Practice Based Learning Unit (PBLU) ensures high‑quality, safe and supportive practice learning for Middlesex University Nursing, Student Nurse Associates and Midwifery students.

Working with our clinical partners and academic teams, we lead educational audits, provide resources for supervisors and assessors, and deliver the electronic Practice Assessment Document (ePAD) across the Pan London network - so every learner can thrive and every placement excels in supporting practice learning.

At PBLU, the students learning in practice is our priority. We work with clinical partners to guarantee safe, supportive placements; we equip supervisors and assessors to help you succeed; and we deliver the electronic Practice Assessment Document (ePAD) so your progress is clear, consistent and recognised across London.

Our work advances Middlesex University Strategy 2031 by putting students at the heart of decisions, working in partnership, and supporting equity in health and wellbeing.

PBLU at a glance

  • Quality assurance of placements through Pan‑London educational audits and agreements
  • Practice learning support for students, practice supervisors, practice assessors and academic staff
  • Digital assessment via ePAD and eMORA, aligned to NMC standards
  • Partnership working with NHS and PIVO to expand and enhance learning environments
  • Continuous improvement through student evaluations, debriefs and data‑driven action
  • Partnership working with Middlesex University Placement team and clinical partners Education Team’s.

What we do

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Quality Assurance

We oversee educational audits and placement agreements to ensure safe, supportive, and effective learning environments.

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Practice Learning Support

We provide guidance and resources for students, practice supervisors, assessors, and academic staff.

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Innovation in Assessment

We lead on the implementation of the electronic Practice Assessment Document (ePAD) across Middlesex University and the Pan London region.

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Collaboration

We work closely with the Pan London Practice Learning Group (PLPLG) to standardize and enhance practice learning across London.

Support

Support

PBLU is integral to supporting any concerns or complaints arising from clinical practice - raised by either students or staff. We follow the Essential Guide: Managing Concerns related to Practice Experiences and collaborate with London NHSE on standardised flowcharts, concerns logs and reporting cycles.

PBLU supports and guides the University Practice Lead roles at Middlesex. UPLs work in teams with NHS and Private, Independent and Voluntary Organisations (PIVO) to provide strategic oversight and direct support for students. Activities include:

  • Drop‑in sessions, student forums and clinical visits/Teams meetings
  • Support with concerns and complaints, and guidance on University processes
  • ePAD, assessment and Action Plan support; signposting for staff development.

Our forums ensure Academic Assessors understand their NMC responsibilities, including periodic ePAD reviews and confirming End of Part/Programme outcomes. Sessions clarify the practice and academic assessor roles, placement structures, and support pathways where concerns arise.

Participants learn to locate essential evidence in ePAD (professional values, part‑specific and crossover proficiencies, feedback) and to support students effectively in line with national standards.

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance

With over 2,000 students in the department/faculty, PBLU collates student placement evaluations via ePAD, conducts debriefs with partner organisations, and shares insights with practice partners at regular intervals. This data‑driven approach informs reflective practice and enhances student experience and outcomes.

PBLU leads and supports ePAD - the digital platform for assessing nursing and midwifery students in clinical practice - with a streamlined interface, web/mobile access and offline functionality. ePAD simplifies documentation and enables real‑time feedback and tracking. Academic and Practice Assessors use it to monitor development and confirm achievement of NMC standards.

Guidance (PLPLG):

Technical support:

epad@mdx.ac.uk (available to Middlesex students, staff and clinical partners using ePAD/eMORA)

Partnership

Partnership

We partner with NHS and PIVO providers to support, enhance and create learning environments, engaging Directors of Nursing, education leads and teams involved in student supervision and assessment.

Beyond the NHS, our collaborations span social care, hospices, special schools, private sector hospitals, and services for people with intellectual disabilities. These reciprocal relationships support pre‑registration students and offer professional development for opportunities for the placement team and inform our teaching.

This collaborative group - formed by PBLU and healthcare partners - promotes excellence in supervision, assessment and learning environments, aligned with national standards. Focus areas:

  • Implementing NMC SSSA standards
  • Addressing placement challenges (e.g., staffing, capacity, learning opportunities)
  • Developing resources for Practice Assessors and Supervisors
  • Strengthening university–placement communication
  • Overseeing audits and evaluations for continuous enhancement.

Educational audits are conducted every two years to evaluate learning support, resources and opportunities across practice settings and to confirm alignment with national standards. Student evaluations complement audits and identify areas for improvement.

Middlesex uses the Pan‑London Educational Audit Tool as part of a structured process for consistent evaluation across sites.

Explore the tool

Resources and Training

Resources and Training

PBLU provides training and updates in accordance with the regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). These are the Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (SSSA) for Practice Assessors, Practice Supervisors and Academic Assessors. This two-day course prepares qualified nurses to be Practice Assessors and Practice Supervisors. 

View course information

Meet the team

Meet the team

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Ms Nora Cooper

SL in Nursing

Justin McDermott

Mr Justin McDermott

Senior Lecturer(Practice Based Learning co-ordinator)

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Miss Pam Hodge

Senior Lecturer in Practice Learning

Get in touch

Get in touch

General enquiries: pblu@mdx.ac.uk

 

location_on Practice Based Learning Unit, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT