What were they looking for?
Asquith Nurseries, one of the UK's leading independent providers of high quality childcare, were keen to enable widely distributed staff to understand good practice as revealed by current leading edge research into children's education.
Asquith's overriding objective was to establish a professional development programme for staff both personally and professionally in order to provide better experiences and outcomes for children. This in turn, it was hoped, would help improve their reputation and occupancy.
What did they require from us?
They were keen to develop employee programmes which developed their staff’s thinking skills and encouraged them to reflect on their own practice and translate learning into day-to-day practice. They also wanted staff to be able to articulate their practice so that they are able to explain to parents, colleagues and other professionals what they are doing with children and why.
How did we address their requirements?
After many discussions with Asquith Nurseries staff, our Corporate Development Team were able to recommend the modules, Working with children in the early years and Supporting children's learning in the early years.
Both of these courses form part of the Foundation Degree in Early Years and the Certificate of Early Years Practice – enabling Asquith staff to easily go on to a qualification.
Staff not intending to seek a formal qualification were offered our Openings Course, Understanding children, which is specifically designed for students who are new to, or re-entering, Higher Education.
Learning outcomes
The chosen courses have proved more relevant than the NVQ formerly used in terms of the work Asquith currently do and what they are trying to achieve. They fit in well with the drive to professionalise the Early Years sector and provide a route into higher level qualifications and Early Years Professional Status.
Through the professional development programme we devised, Asquith has begun to establish a learning culture and are now seeing staff embarking on training with the intention of achieving Early Years Professional Status.
This has helped Asquith build a reputation as an employer who develops and trains people to their full potential.