European Social Fund in England

Training within the early years childcare sector

Region: GOEE

Funding type: ESF

CFO: Regional LSC EAST

Funding: £1,750,000.00

Start date: 01/04/2005

End date: 31/03/2007

The Eastern Region has been successful in winning two bids from the European Social fund for Training and Recruitment within the Early Years and Childcare sector. Both projects are being run over two years. The Training project will deliver flexible learning opportunities at level 2 (completion of units and whole qualifications) in Early Years, Childcare and Playwork. The project will involve a flexible approach to accessing units and qualifications which will support the achievements of national targets for qualified staff and provide stepping stones to the new national qualifications framework for the children's workforce. It will also involve the development of a new blended learning approach complemented by local flexible delivery, high quality information, advice and guidance and embedded basic skills training and support. This project aims to sign up 2900 beneficiaries with a percentage of these progressing from the Recruitment project. A dedicated team has been employed to manage the project progress and monitor each local authorities activity, giving constant support and assistance throughout the project. A Steering Group has been appointed and will monitor progress in achieving outputs, outcomes and milestones and through regular review will promote continuous improvement and raise standards, identify excellence to disseminate across the region. They will identify concerns and take appropriate action to strengthen delivery of service. Also to use information gained through review to inform ongoing planning and implementation of the project.

1. In Cambridgeshire, they have been able to run level 2 courses specifically for 'The Traveller Group'. This group has been put together especially for candidates who have not accessed education since the age of 12 and are returning to studies through this project.
2. Cambridgeshire have reported that a lady from St. Neots with dyslexia and who is lacking basic literacy skills is now signing up for a level 2 qualification. Due to her learning difficulties and low self esteem she never thought she would train again. This project has allowed her to do so.
3. Cambridgeshire have reported that a young man with mild autism has been able to access level 2 training and another who is lacking basic literacy skills due to large periods of hospitalisation through liver problems is now accessing level 2 training.
4. Again, Cambridgeshire have reported a lady who has suffered domestic violence and has a low self esteem. She is trying to rebuild her life and is accessing level 2 training. This will hopefully put her in a better position to secure the assistant post that she has applied for at a local pre-school, where she has a placement under a scheme for domestic violence victims. She has been assisted by the team in Cambridgeshire Care & Education, and they have discussed this project with the co-ordinator of the scheme she is working under - this has resulted in her placement being extended.

For further information contact:

Sonia Haylett

Regional Co-Ordinator - ESF Regional Project

Tel: 01603 599837

sonia.haylett@norfolk.gov.uk