Telford and Wrekin childcare practitioners celebrate double programme success
Childcare practitioners across the borough celebrated their achievementon two early years programmes at the Mercure Telford Centre hotel this week.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Early Years and Childcare team organised the presentation evening which highlighted the success of the Early Years Professional Development programme and the Level 3 SENCO award.
The team have delivered both programmes at childcare settings across the borough which are helping practitioners gain valuable new skills to support their careers.
The Early Years Professional Development Programme is a two-year programme which provides continuous professional development for pre-reception practitioners from schools and private, voluntary and independent settings - funded by the Department for Education.
Over 30 practitioners have completed level 3 and 4 language and literacy courses through the programme.
In addition, up to 12 settings across the borough have taken part in the Early Years Professional Development programme, with 10 of those settings receiving ‘Communication Friendly Setting’ status.
The SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) qualification, which the council started delivering in October 2020, is for Level 3 practitioners working in a private, voluntary or independent childcare setting and is also suitable for childminders
It is an important qualification to ensure best possible educational outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Telford and Wrekin is leading the way by working towards having a qualified SENCO in every early years setting across the borough.
The Early Years and Childcare team is also supporting local nurseries and childminders with their recruitment needs and raising awareness of local job vacancies.
The team hosted a childcare careers and training event at Southwater One on May 14, which was supported by childcare employers and training providers, and plan to stage another event in July.
Councillor Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Employment and Skills said: “We are committed to supporting our employers and workforces in Telford and Wrekin and developing skills across a range of sectors.
“This is highlighted by the delivery of two childcare programmes – the Early Years Professional Development Programme and the Level 3 SENCO award.
“We’d like to say a huge congratulations to all the practitioners who are making a real difference to children’s lives and developing their skills in the childcare sector at the same time.”
You can find out more about the Talking Early Years and Childcare service at Telford & Wrekin Council here.
