Training And Quality Sub-Group

The Eastern Childcare Partnership has a Sub-Group that looks exclusively at issues relating to training and development of the childcare sector. The role of the group is to improve the quality of childcare provision by promoting the learning and development needs of the workforce. A Learning and Development Strategy has been produced which outlines the Sub-Groups plans to ensuring that the people working with our children have the necessary skills and qualifications.

The role of the group is:

1. To identify, plan, action and review the learning and development needs of the early years workforce.
   
   
2. To contribute to the development and maintenance of the Eastern Childcare Partnership’s database in relation to training and qualifications.
   
   
3. To develop, review and monitor a Learning and Development Strategy for Early Years and to produce an Action Plan for the Eastern area ensuring a competent workforce, appropriately qualified, to support positive care, learning and play experiences for children.
   
   
4. To map training provision.
   
   
5. To ensure information about learning and development provision is available.
   
   
6. To promote good practice across the range of services in Early Years.
   
   
7. To promote good practice across the range of training providers.
   
   
8. To promote the engagement of Providers in Quality Assurance Schemes.
   
   
9. To pursue resources to support the availability of training for those working in Early Years Services and advise on strategic targeting of resources having regard for quality and value for money.
   
   
10. To coordinate and manage training projects funded through Eastern Childcare Partnership.
    

There are a number of agencies which are critical to the success of the Training and Quality Sub-Committee. These are listed below:

• NIPPA
  
• NICMA
  
• PlayBoard
  
• Child Care NI
  
• Private Day Care Organisations
  
• SEELB
  
• BELB
  
• DEL
  
• EHSSB
  
• Health and Social Services Trusts/District Partnerships

For more information on free training courses funded by the ECP, view the Training Calendar in Publications.

A training directory has been produced which contains information and guidance in relation to learning and development. The guide is for those working in or interested in working in early years, education, playwork settings including childminders. The directory is available in Publications.

Ashleigh McKnight was appointed as Training Co-ordinator for the Eastern Childcare Partnership in 2007. The Training Co-ordinator is responsible to facilitate the work of the Training & Quality Sub-group and is available to discuss any issues in relation to Childcare training, qualifications and staff development.

Ashleigh McKnight
Eastern Childcare Partnership -Training Co-ordinator
c/o Early Years
1a Pottinger Street
Cullybackey
Co. Antrim
BT42 1BP

email: ashleighm@early-years.org
or
ecpinfo@ehssb.n-i.nhs.uk