The husband-and-wife team of Sally and Chris Eaton previously ran thetraining arm of childcare consultancy Parenta, and also owned the ManorTree group of nurseries, which they sold to CfBT Education Trust in2006.
They have now set up on their own to provide training and support tonurseries, local authorities and individual learners as The ChildcareCompany.
'We've got a team of 12 very experienced professionals who have beenwith us for a long time but this is a brand new venture,' said SallyEaton, who has the role of education director.
The learning programme incorporates the principles and practice of theEYFS. It includes NVQs in childcare, learning and development, awardedby CACHE, up to level 4, and diplomas in pre-school practice.
'The time is right because of new technology,' said Ms Eaton. 'Oursecure online environment provides learners not just with an e-portfolioof achievement but also with technological skills they can take forwardinto their careers.'
Ms Eaton said that she did not like the term 'distance learning',adding, 'We feel closer to the learner because we contact them everyweek.'
She said that unlike more traditional methods of training, in thisprogramme learners do not have to wait for assessors' visits.
All learners who sign up for courses are encouraged to use Skypewebcams, which she said are now available for around 10, so thatthey are able to have weekly 'virtual' meetings with their assessor.
As well as direct observation for NVQs, learners will have other formsof assessment through e-profile on the web.
A range of other vocational qualifications can be studied online only.The website will also include regular two-minute videos, which Ms Eatondescribed as 'thought-provoking slots'.
For more information visit www.thechildcarecompany.com or call 01753 596004.
