Early Years Students Visit

by  Abby Searle

Over fifty students and staff from the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development course from Bridgwater College recently visited Norland Nursery. The students spent the morning observing the children in the nursery and talking to the staff about their approach to Early Years care and education.

Clare Crowther, Head of Nursery, has recently completed her BA (Hons) in Early Years Care and Education at Bridgwater College, achieving a First Class Honours. She said, “It was a pleasure to host this visit for the students.  Having trained at Bridgwater College myself, it was both exciting and affirming to share in the learning I have completed and transferred to practice. The visit went really well with both Bridgwater and Norland early years students able to engage and discuss the benefits of their training.”

Laura Mitchell, Senior Early Years Practitioner added, “The sharing of knowledge is a really valuable tool for professional learning communities. The students were really enthusiastic to share and explore the benefits of a free flow nursery.  They clearly identified the uniqueness of the services and provision we offer - we look forward to welcoming them at the nursery in the future.”

The students continued their residential study tour with a trip to Bath City Farm, a stay in Bath Youth Hostel, and a day of sightseeing all the historical sights of Bath.

Student Lauren Baker, aged 18 and from Minehead said, “I thought the nursery was the best part of the trip; the environment was very innovative with lots of different activities for the children and opportunities for ‘free’ play – it even had an indoor beach, which the children loved! It was also interesting that children of all ages were encouraged to play together, which is quite unusual and different from the nurseries I have visited before.”

- Posted on 27th September 2011 - Permalink