Wirral open day will look at child restraint techniques

Is it legal? Is it safe? How do I do it? How do I know?

These are a few of the questions that those working in schools, nurseries and children's centres will, at one time or another, ask themselves when trying to prevent a child from harming itself or others.

Edge Hill University, together with Wirral Local Authority, is holding an open day in Bromoborough, that will give child care professionals a chance to see what training and education opportunities are available in the area of child restraint.

In environments where children and young people receive care, quick decision-making and current knowledge on the issue of restraint is crucial, following a recent change in legislation.

The rights of children, young people and their families and where they stand within the law is often unclear or misunderstood. Professionals need to be aware of current developments, the legal system and the Government context.

At the open day, held at the Professional Excellence Centre, Bromborough, on Thursday, 12 February from 4 - 8pm, there will be information available on study days for a range of health and education topics including the principles that underpin safe and competent restraint practice. Lecturers will be on hand to give advice on a range of courses, from one-day taster sessions to Early Years qualifications and foundation and masters degrees.

Megan, 40, lives and works on the Wirral. She attended an open day in May 2008 and has not looked back since. Megan said: "I had been working with children for 20 years and I felt that my qualifications didn't reflect the years or experience I had. Having heard of the Early Years Foundation Degree, I went along to the open day to find out more about the options available and the career path that I could follow."

Since the open day, Megan has gained a place on the two-year Early Years Foundation Degree, attending the Wirral site of Edge Hill University. She said: "I'm really happy that I attended the open day. It was an opportunity for me to gain the right qualifications close to home. Finding somewhere on the Wirral that offers this kind of qualification has made all the difference."

For further information or to find out more about courses available please call 0151 346 6554 or email fiska@edgehill.ac.uk.