Early years' experience for students

Mrs Brown, health and social care and child care teacher at the school, said: “We are very fortunate that we have so many supportive and outstanding early years providers in our local community who encourage our child care students to develop their knowledge and skills within their settings.”

Year 10 and 11 students who study Level 2 in child development and care are offered experiences in local early years settings, and over the past few weeks Year 10 students have been welcomed into Apple Blossom Day Nursery in Alnwick to interact with the children and early years practitioners there.

Those who study Level 3 child care and education in Sixth Form are signing up to a unique experience, whereby they are expected to commit to 365 hours of hands-on practical early years’ experience with children aged up to seven.

Currently Years 12 and 13 do a minimum of half a day per week in the early years setting.

Three times a year, students are given the opportunity to carry out a full week block placement to experience every aspect of working life in early years provision.

There are currently students on placement in primary schools, with childminders, day nurseries, children’s centres and preschool provision.

Mrs Brown said: “If you are an Ofsted-registered early years professional and would be interested in supporting one or more of our students develop in their skills and knowledge in this area, please contact the school for further information.”