Early Learning Alliance

Edge Hill is developing a new partnership agreement with Yarrow House Nursery School in a bid to expand its early years training for teachers from the state school to the private and voluntary sectors.

First year students studying the BA (Hons) with QTS* in Early Years Education are working on placement at the Southport based nursery as part of the first partnership agreement of its kind to be developed between Edge Hill and a private nursery school.

Sue Rogers, degree progamme leader, explains why the agreement is so innovative: "Edge Hill has been working with teachers in the state school sector for many years, but this is the first time that we?ve had a partnership arrangement with a private nursery. Our early years degree covers teacher training for children aged three to seven. Trainees benefit by gaining first hand experience of teaching three to five year olds in a very different environment than the school nursery, reflecting the current climate in early years provision."

Nursery Owner Sandi Gascoigne is a former primary school teacher and has agreed to mentor Edge Hill trainees: "We view the partnership with Edge Hill as an endorsement of the quality of nursery provision here at Yarrow House," commented Sandi. "This type of work is evidence that our nursery care is on a par with the state sector provision. The trainees that have worked here are a credit to Edge Hill. I?m sure they?ll go on to secure successful careers in early years education."

Following their initial placement in January first year students Emma Ince and Louise Brookfield (pictured), both from Churchtown, Southport are set to return to the nursery for another four-weeks in May.

"This placement was my first experience of the private nursery sector," said Emma. "It?s good to learn about the different types of environments and approaches to learning through play. It all adds to the breadth of learning in early years education."

ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES: *The recommendation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status is dependent upon the successful completion of an induction year in teaching. This DfES requirement applies to Initial Teacher Training at any institution. For further press information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk