Exchange Staff Development Day

The development and training of childcare workers was the hot topic at an innovative event held in January at the recently opened Winchester Discovery Centre.

Over thirty childcare and early years professionals attended the 'Exchange Staff Development Day' on Friday 18 January to share information on the routes through education available to childcare students and workers.

Speakers from nine education institutions (including FE, HE and a Private Training Provider) gave presentations. Subjects ranged from vocational and work-based learning early years related qualifications to how learners are supported when making the transition to a Foundation Degree.

Aim of Event

The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the practices, curriculum content and learners’ experiences from a range of education sectors for staff delivering or managing early years related courses. The day provided an opportunity for delegates to learn more about what goes on in early years provision in education sectors other than their own, making them better prepared for supporting learners making the transition to HE.

The Student Experience

The day included a fascinating talk by student Charlotte Ball who gave an account of her experiences of progressing from an NVQ Level 3 to a Foundation Degree.

Assignments from a range of early years related qualifications were also handed round to show delegates the many types of assignments available on different courses. Being shown actual (anonymous) material meant delegates were able to compare and contrast methods of assessment from the various courses on offer.

To assess the effectiveness of this type of staff development activity delegates were asked to take part in surveys at the beginning and the end of the event. Follow up interviews with some of the delegates is also planned to see what, if any, longer term impact the event has on their practice. Findings will be available later in the year. 

Future Events

Several delegates also expressed interest in participating in exchange visits with early years colleagues. These visits will be brokered by Helen Briers, the Development Manager for the Childhood, Youth & Community Studies Curriculum Group. For more information contact Helen by email on helen.briers@winchester.ac.uk or by telephone on (01962) 827694.