Family and Infant Neurodevelopmental Education

Multidisciplinary training to shape the future of neonatal practice

A high-quality evidence-based programme run worldwide by experienced teams of neonatal healthcare professionals.

What is FINE?

FINE is an internationally acclaimed educational pathway that translates scientific evidence into clinical practice. It equips healthcare professionals of all backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to deliver safe, neuroprotective, family-integrated care.

FINE encourages collaborative multidisciplinary learning, guiding caregivers to create an environment that promotes optimal brain development and fosters closeness between infants and parents. It explains and illustrates excellent, evidence-based neurodevelopmental care practice that enhances the experience of neonatal care for infant and family, and creates a rewarding professional environment.

The programme is tiered with clear steps that help each person to identify their accomplishments and their learning needs.

All our courses are available online. FINE aligns with the UK’s NHS Delivery Plan for Maternity and Neonatal Services, and the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health.

The FINE pathway

Neonatal care training that promotes clinical excellence in infant and family-centred developmental care.

FINE is a unique programme that gives neonatal professionals of all disciplines opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in steps that can be paced to their career needs, whether that means orientation for beginners, developing competent practice or leadership.

The three levels of FINE offer a guided progression from introductory learning to advanced practice. Each course is based on sound evidence and the principal that careful observation enables us to understand and respond to the unique needs of each infant and family. Reflection and active listening skills are embedded in the programme as essential elements of good practice. Our faculty is multidisciplinary and includes parents.

Students can only progress to the next level of training when they have completed the one before. They must complete FINE 1 before applying for FINE 2.

Our courses

FINE LEVEL 1

Foundation Toolkit for Infant and Family-Centred Developmental Care

Laying the foundations of good practice through interactive online learning with specialist practitioners.

Essential for everyone working in hospital settings that care for preterm or newborn infants.

An introduction to the scientific evidence, theory and practical implications of infant and family-centred developmental care, delivered in two parts:

Part 1: webinars covering 12 foundational topics.

Part 2: interactive online workshops focused on implementation of good practice.

£380 per person + VAT

FINE LEVEL 2

Practical Skills for Infant and Family-Centred Developmental Care

Practice-based learning that develops confident practitioners through observation and mentored reflection.

Ideal for healthcare professionals working with preterm and newborn infants who have completed FINE 1, are passionate about infant and family-centred neurodevelopmental care and wish to further develop their own practice. Essential for any member of the neonatal team who has a leading role in this area.

A high-quality course with individual student support. Ten topics are completed over six months with a combination of online tutorials, structured assignments with behavioural observations, reflective practice, and mentoring from experienced practitioners with advanced training.

There is a selection process for this course.

£2000 per person + VAT

FINE LEVEL 3

Innovation in Infant and Family-Centred Developmental Care

Project-based learning that evaluates services and implements change.

Open to professionals with leading roles in neonatal care who have completed FINE Level 2 or NIDCAP Certification.

Learning through assignments that evaluate practice, explore families’ experience of neonatal care, and systematically plan and deliver a quality improvement project with guidance from an experienced mentor.

Our resources

Further your knowledge and practice in neonatal care by exploring our resources, including links to related research, additional learning opportunities, posters and flyers.

Our handbooks First Steps for Parents in the Neonatal Unit, Caring for Your Baby in the Neonatal Unit and Your Preterm Baby’s Care and Development at Home, are invaluable resources for parents with preterm babies. You can purchase them directly from us here.

Hear from our past students