Leading Edge for Linda

Recently appointed Edge Hill senior lecturer Linda Griffiths is one of the first in the country to achieve a new qualification in leadership for the development of national children?s centres.

Linda, from Rufford, is one of only five in the north-west region to achieve the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership, a pilot programme delivered at the Pen Green Research Centre in Corby. She joined 40 other successful achievers at a celebration event at Whitehall, London, where Beverley Hughes, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families presented the awards.

With 26 years experience of early years teaching to her credit, Linda was delighted to be one of the first to undertake the leadership qualification aimed at those working in multi agency settings across health, education and social care.

Linda, who became a senior lecturer in Early Years Education at Edge Hill in September, said: "It?s not often that professionals from health, education and social care have the opportunity to share their experiences. It?s very enlightening to see child care issues from another perspective."

As part of the course Linda visited New Zealand to study the country?s highly developed early years provision.

"I was really impressed with the management of New Zealand?s children?s centres. Their intended model of integrated services provision for children should be really effective. I learned such a lot from seeing at first hand the early years provision within kindergartens and their holistic approach to education and care."

Angela Milner is Senior Associate Dean at Edge Hill?s Faculty of Education and responsible for developments related to the training and development needs of the children?s workforce.

Angela said: "Edge Hill?s expertise in delivering health, education and social care provision means that we can be at the forefront of developing a range of courses and award bearing programmes for professionals working in integrated children?s services. Linda?s expertise and knowledge in this area is invaluable to Edge Hill, as we begin an exciting new phase of development in line with this important Government agenda to improve the lives of children, young people and their families."

For further information about the range of programmes relating to the national children?s agenda please call the Enquiries Unit on 0800 195 5063. ends