Asquith Nurseries is rolling out an expanded programme of in-house training. Focusing on areas including childcare and education, leadership and management, nursery operations and human resources, it is intended to support both individuals and the chain as a whole.
Liz Richardson, childcare and education director, says, 'The programme provides an opportunity to develop a coherent and integrated training strategy. This means that where possible, knowledge, skills and abilities are developed holistically.'
When it comes to an area such as training on outdoor play, for example, aspects such as risk management and leadership skills will be covered, as well as childcare education and practice.
Team for managers
Asquith currently operates 112 nurseries and creches, looking after more than 9,000 children and employing 2,500 staff. Last summer it was taken over by two financial groups, Dawney Day Principal Investments and Swordfish Investments.
It has been steadily building a training strategy over the past three years. In 2005 it set up a dedicated childcare and education team to provide advice and support to managers. The team undertakes coaching, mentoring and modelling good practice as well as direct training sessions so managers and room leaders can 'take ownership' for leading the curriculum.
Its in-house training scheme on Birth to Three Matters and the Foundation Stage curriculum - which is now being superseded by training on the EYFS - is available to all staff over a period of five months.
Progressing practitioners towards Early Years Professional Status is a priority. In 2005, when the programme was announced, it entered into an agreement with the Open University and all staff were offered the opportunity to study for the Certificate in Childcare Practice, which is pegged at level 4.
Over 100 staff have successfully completed the two-year course and many of them are now continuing to study towards an early years foundation degree, with the intention of continuing to achieve EYP status. Ten staff who already hold degrees have also gained this.
'Staff who have undertaken the course have really enjoyed gaining new knowledge and ideas,' says Liz Richardson. 'Many have reported a real sense of achievement and have become more confident in their practice. A survey of the staff participating in the qualification revealed that, despite the challenges of combining work and study, they were motivated to continue studying to degree level and aspired to achieve EYPS as well as having ambitions for promotion within the company.'
She adds that the knowledge and skills of staff are having a positive impact on Ofsted grades, with increasing numbers receiving an 'outstanding' outcome.
Internally, Asquith uses the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, which was used by Kathy Sylva as a research tool in the EPPE study, to monitor and improve the experiences offered to children. 'This provides a rigorous approach to gauging the quality of provision and how it supports the children's cognitive development,' says Ms Richardson. 'Through this we are able to see real measurable improvements in the quality of the practice in our nurseries, and we are looking forward to developing this even further.
Asquith is also looking to work with other agencies to offer its staff NVQ levels 2 and 3. 'This is an exciting opportunity for us to train our own staff from the beginning of their career and to provide professional development, which allows progression to senior job roles,' says Ms Richardson.
According to managing director Andy Morris, the group is committed to ongoing investment in its staff. This, combined with a robust induction process, is an effective way to retain and motivate staff.
With a clear training strategy, the aim is to integrate all settings effectively and ensure that all staff feel a valued and valuable part of the group.
