Launch of Professional Development Programme for Care Professionals

Capita Education Resourcing and the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN) celebrated the success of their inaugural Continual Professional Development Programme with the graduation of 14 candidates this week. Capita launched the programme in partnership with PANN with the aim of boosting nursery nursesí and teaching assistantsí professional skills and learning.

Debbie Allinson, Managing Director of Capita Education Resourcing, said: ìCapita provides many supply nursery nurses and teaching assistants to schools and our candidates regularly tell us how important it is for them to keep their skills up-to-date. For Capita to continue providing the highest quality recruitment service, itís vital we have professionals who have the latest skills. This is why this programme is so important. Weíre delighted to be involved.î

The candidatesí successful completion of the programme was honoured at a special presentation evening at PANNís headquarters in Friar Gate. The candidates, who are practising nursery nurses and teaching assistants from around the East Midlands, all received final award certificates.

Consisting of eight 3-hour seminars, the programme is delivered by Education Consultants and Training Associates, ECTA, and comprises lectures and practical activities. All candidates undergo a written assessment at the end of each seminar. Topics, which are relevant to everyday practice in an early years setting, include ëDeveloping Literacy Skills in Early Yearsí; ëPositive Behaviour Management for the Under 5sí and ëMaking Early Years Mathematics Excitingí.

Addressing the candidates, Tricia Pritchard, Senior Professional Officer at PANN, praised their quality and congratulated them on their hard work. She said: ìNursery nurses and teaching assistants make a critical contribution to childrenís care and development. Iím delighted that this new programme equips them to be even more effective professionals and helps them to adhere to the best possible practice in education and childcare.î