Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) was the focus of a series of workshops at an awareness raising event held at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus recently (Friday 8 September).
FVC HNC Childhood Practice students and Falkirk Council Early Education Modern Apprentice students came together to participate in workshops to support their awareness and understanding of key ELCC areas including: Risky Play, Storytelling, STEM subjects and Safeguarding.
The workshops were led by staff from both FVC Early Learning and Childcare team and Falkirk Council employees, and was aimed at providing a collaborative approach to supporting students and sharing best practice.
The partnership event was also an example of how FVC ELCC team and Falkirk Council Early Years team are working together to ensure that students are equipped with the qualifications and skills to enable them to fill the ever increasing employment opportunities in this field, especially within the local authority sector.
Jeannette McCulloch Curriculum Manger in FVC’s Department of Care, Health and Sport, said: “We were delighted to link up with Falkirk Council for this very worthwhile event. We have a very strong relationship with them in the Early Learning and Childcare field and we both hope to raise awareness of this fascinating and satisfying career and also highlight to young people that there are going to be exciting opportunities available in this sector in the next few years.”
Susan McElhatton, Childcare and Education Training and Support Teacher at Falkirk Council, said: “As a local authority we have a huge responsibility to ensure we are developing a quality future workforce to cope with the expansion of children’s entitlement to 1140 hours by 2020. Partnerships with FVC’s ELCC team will help us ensure this.”
To find out more about Early Learning and Childcare courses at Forth Valley College please call 01324 403000.