CHILDCARE courses at KCC continue to thrive as one of the developing areas for young people to have the maximum opportunity to secure employment locally.

Kingsbridge Community College students Chloe Wingate, Chloe Tucker, Freyja Jones, Maddy Powseland and Shanni Birche Moore have all completed their studies in Early Years qualification, and have many skills in supporting learning and development for the children in their care.

The students spent time in the Sensory Room at Tresillian Nursery, where babies and toddlers can benefit from soothing sounds, moving colours and shapes, bubble tubes, fairy lights and a calm quite space. It has been extremely beneficial to those children with additional needs.

These young people have benefited from vocational study at KCC, which has led to employment in their settings, or further study programmes.

Lorna Pitts, Manager of Tresillian commented: ‘We have worked closely with KCC for many years, not only with Post 16 NVQ students, but with younger students who come for short sessions to see how a pre-school operates.

‘It can provide them with an insight and motivation for taking up this important career which has a sustainable labour market’.

‘We rely totally on the goodwill and support of our local settings’ said Sarah Burnett, NVQ Co-ordinator, ‘who will offer our students placements with an opportunity to prove themselves for any part time employment that comes up.

‘It is a step in the door, which in most cases pays off. We are currently working with Lorna to guide the students through the application process for jobs in Early Years. It is a competitive industry, and this will give them a head start.’

‘The students all enjoy the practical experience in this course with creative play’ said Sarah Sanders, the lead teacher, ‘and for those with younger siblings, it is a route that they can relate to and the future workforce generation.’