Training helps nursery school to bloom
Thursday 11 February 2010
A Whiston nursery school is getting back to nature, after the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) provided essential funding for training.
Sandfield Montessori Nursery is expanding and creating a ‘forest school and nature kindergarten’ – outdoor space where children can learn and play.
Forest schools originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s with the aim of encouraging children to learn social, physical and educational skills and at the same time encourage them to appreciate and understand the local environment.
Suzanne Scott, who owns Sandfield Montessori Nursery said: “This is an ambitious expansion and one which takes a lot of planning and organisation. Our staff have had to work hard to meet all the new demands and challenges that the Forest School will bring.
“They are dedicated to improving their knowledge and skills; anything which will
benefit the children we look after. We use LSC funding for our training needs, allowing us to be able to plough as much money as possible into the Forest School.”
The 20-strong workforce at Sandfields Montessori Nursery has completed National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Level 3 in Child Care and Play work.
Lynne Billington, Operations Manager at Sandfields Montessori Nursery said: “We have regular one to one sessions with our staff to identify their training needs. We also listen to the staff if they tell us they want to brush up on one area or feel they need to know a little more about something. Our training programme is really flexible and is based around the individual employee.”
Lynne and Suzanne were recognised at the All Star Awards, jointly funded by the European Social Fund. More than 200 Merseysiders were rewarded for the contribution that training has made to their companies and the Merseyside economy.
Paul Tinsley, Partnership Director for the LSC in Greater Merseyside added: “An expansion as ambitious as this one requires staff to be trained to a certain level. I’m really pleased that Sandfield Montessori Nursery is able to use the LSC’s support to provide this fantastic facility to local children.”
