In May 1988, the English National Board (ENB, Statutory Body for Nursing Education for England) issued draft proposals for development of continuous assessment of theory and practice in basic nursing courses. As an integral part of a new curriculum the staff at Wolverhampton School of Nursing have developed a strategy for continuous assessment of theory and practice which now has formal ENB approval. In order to qualify as a person who can apply to be registered on one or more parts of the register students must have demonstrated their ability to acuire the competencies which are specified in Rule 18(1) of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Rules Approval Order (UKCC 1983). The strategy demonstrates the development and achievement of competencies of Rule 18(1) as they increase in complexity.

We do not claim that the strategy is the only framework which could be developed for implementing continuous assessment, nor do we claim that it is flawless. The strategy is intended as a framework which may contribute in assisting other nurse teachers who are in the present position of developing such schemes of assessment.