Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial and practical provision they will make for the final-year cohort of nursing, midwifery and associated health professional students who have not opted to cut short their courses to work in the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, but who may see those courses extend past the planned date for qualifying.

Universities and practice learning partners are working together to try and ensure students' learning outcomes are met and competencies are signed off to complete the programme at the expected time. However, as in usual circumstances, some students may need to extend beyond three years if they cannot meet the required learning outcomes or minimum clinical hour requirements.

Work is ongoing across Government with key partners to agree the arrangements for final year students who may need to extend beyond three years, the outcomes of which will be communicated as soon as possible.