It’s not often people go back into training after years of working but 51 year-old Lorna Nuttall from Birstall, Leicester did just that. Lorna had already worked towards an NVQ Level 2 in childcare, but in order to develop her career and be able to work with children who suffer from disabilities, Lorna required another formal qualification.
Lorna said: “When I first started working in childcare there wasn’t a real need for recognised qualifications as skills and techniques developed through experience. It’s only recently that it’s become a necessity. I’ve already completed an Apprenticeship and I am currently working towards my Advanced Apprenticeship. It covers areas I am familiar with, but also shows me updated methods and modern practices to integrate with the habits I’ve picked up over the years.”
General manager at Rainbow Nursery, Paula Wright said: “Lorna has been exemplary in her approach to the course; she is highly competent and aware of the individual needs of the children. I think the course has been a great way to encourage Lorna to build on everything she’s already learnt and put it to use working with more challenging children.
“Since taking over the managerial role at Rainbow 15 years ago, I’ve insisted that all members enrol on Apprenticeships. By taking on apprentices we are able to recruit enthusiastic and willing individuals, ensuring they are working through their qualifications in line with the nursery’s ethos.
“Because we focus on training staff, our retention rate has always been high, which is great for the children to see a familiar face and develop a rapport, but it’s also reassuring for parents.”
Karen Burbridge, training manager for Smart Training, the company helping Lorna achieve her Advanced Apprenticeship, said: “Rainbow Nursery is committed to training all their staff and ensuring everyone has a broad understanding of child development and how to progress learning through play. I work closely with Rainbow to maintain the high level of training they strive for.
“Smart Training, the UK’s largest provider of childcare training, supply each of its learners with a training manager; someone they can contact at any time for help and support as they study with us.”
Lorna concludes: “I’ve enjoyed the practical and written elements of the course and feel more confident working with children who have disabilities or special educational needs. My assessor has been very helpful throughout the course- I think it’s important to feel you can ask for help or advice at any time.”