The Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (SSSA) set out how students are supported and assessed in practice learning environments.
SSSA most commonly refers to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment, which provide the framework for training, supervising, and assessing nursing and midwifery students in the UK. It ensures students receive safe, effective, and standardized support during their practice placements.
This page provides guidance, resources, and key information for practices supporting student nurses.
Practice Supervisor
Practice Supervisors support and guide students in practice, providing learning opportunities, feedback, and contributing to assessments of progress.
Practice Assessor
Practice Assessors evaluate and confirm students’ achievement of practice learning outcomes using evidence from a range of sources, and work with Academic Assessors to inform progression decisions.
Academic Assessor
Academic Assessors confirm students’ achievement of programme outcomes across academic and practice settings, working collaboratively with Practice Assessors to support progression decisions.
Please see below an explanation video on SSSA:
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Getting Started: SSSA Training (Initial Training)
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SSSA Refresher & Update Training
Keele University SSSA Initial Training
- Practice Supervisor Online Training: PS Preparation Training
- Practice Assessor Online Training: PA Preparation Training
Anglia Ruskin University SSSA Initial Training
- Practice Supervisor and/or Assessor Training: Online Practice Supervisor/Assessor course
To join to join Keele University ‘Learning in Practice Update’ sessions hosted via Teams: Learning in Practice Update
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Placement Practice Handbooks
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Proficiencies & Guidance
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Support Contacts
Nurse Roots: Practice Handbook for Pre-Reg Student Nurse Placements
Staffordshire GPN Foundation School: coming soon
Staffordshire Training Hub Nursing Programmes: Nurse Roots at traininghub@gpfirst.net | Staffordshire GPN Foundation School at staffordshire.gpnschool@gpfirst.net
SSSA Update: GPN Educators – Rachel Hughes at rachel.hughes14@nhs.net | Wendy Bailey at wendy.bailey2@staffs.nhs.uk
Nursing and Midwifery Council: educationandstandards@nmc-uk.org
For queries and support please contact the Staffordshire Training Hub:
Staffordshire Training Hub Nursing Programmes
- Nurse Roots: traininghub@gpfirst.net
- Staffordshire GPN Foundation School: staffordshire.gpnschool@gpfirst.net
SSSA Update – GPN Educators
- Rachel Hughes: rachel.hughes14@nhs.net
- Wendy Bailey: wendy.bailey2@staffs.nhs.uk