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BGU Academic Leads on ‘Outstanding Early Years Provision’
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to announce the launch of a new book by Dr Pat Beckley, Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Development at BGU, that is set to lead the way on the provision of Early Years education. ‘The Philosophy and Practice of Outstanding Early Years Provision’ examines the philosophical and theoretical foundations of early years practice supporting practitioners as they reflect on the collective and personal rationales which motivate and inform their work with young children. Chapters on subjects including ‘Wellbeing for Life in Early Years’ and ‘The Multicultural Classroom’ explore the theoretical underpinnings from a variety of perspectives, before translating them into effective strategies for application in a range of early years settings. Written and edited by Dr Beckley, the new book features contributions from leading Early Years professionals including chapters by other members of the BGU Teacher Development team – Ami Montgomery, Senior Lecturer and TESOL Course Leader and Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes for Primary and Early Years – along with a chapter written by Emma Revill; one of BGU’s school based mentors. Drawing on sound expertise the book is divided into four easily navigated sections which explore key issues including the creation of enabling environments, leadership in the early years, the opportunities and challenges presented by diversity, and the value of creative approaches. Its ultimate aim is to deepen the reader’s understanding of the concepts and ideas behind everyday practice. ‘The Philosophy and Practice of Outstanding Early Years Provision’ is essential reading for students and practitioners who wish to improve current and future practice by gaining insight into the philosophical foundations which underpin outstanding provision. BGU will be hosting a launch event for the book on campus on Monday the 9th of July at 4.30pm. If you would like to attend please contact Jonny Richardson, BGU PR Assistant. If you’re interested in a future in Early Years provision or Teaching there are few institutions that can provide a better experience than BGU. You can find information on our range of education based courses on our website, or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
Chance to Train as an Early Years Teacher
Teachers who want to become outstanding specialists working with the youngest children can now undertake professional training at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. In September last year, 13 trainees were the first to begin the new PGCE Early Years with EYTS (Early Years Teacher Status) programme at BGU – and the university will recruit another cohort this autumn. The course has been tailored to suit both those working in early years settings who can be released for study and those who are studying full time. It enables trainees to gain the recommendation for Early Years Teacher Status which is equivalent to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) through 120 days teaching young children from nought to five and 10 days looking at the progression children make into Key Stage 1. “The new Early Years Teacher Status introduced by the Government is an important development because there is clear evidence that high-quality early education and childcare can have a powerful impact on young children and can fully prepare them for school and later life,” said Amy Stancer, Academic Co-ordinator for the Early Years Programme at BGU. “The new programme is a good fit with our other courses which include QTS (working with ages three to 19 years) and teaching in the lifelong learning sector. Early Years Teacher Status broadens the scope of our training so that we’re now teaching people to teach all age ranges, from babies to pensioners.” Places are still available on the EYTS programme for this September – and two students currently on the course can thoroughly recommend it. Ryan Gilbert (30) from Halifax graduated with a degree in primary education from Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University) and was working as a supply teacher in West Yorkshire when he decided to enrol on the EYTS programme at BGU. “During my time with the supply agency and in settings when I was studying for my degree I found a fondness for early years more than Key Stages 1 and 2,” said Ryan. “Add to that the comments I had from schools about how positive it is to have a male teaching in early years, and I firmly decided that I wanted to become qualified to teach within the age range. When I wanted to progress more into early years Bishop Grosseteste University was the only university which responded promptly and guided me through its application process. I have enjoyed the course immensely, from the dedicated team of lecturers at BGU to outside professionals who have come to speak to us and the passionate members of my course who really do want the very best for young children. Being surrounded by all these makes me want to continually improve my own skills, passion and knowledge relating to early years.” Ryan continued: “I have learned far more than I realised I would, and I’m still only halfway through the course! I am truly shocked at just how little I knew about early years and how the course content from my degree did not even begin to scratch the surface of what I now know.” Jenna Farrow (22) from near Sleaford volunteered at a nursery between lectures and coursework while studying for a degree in Visual Communication at Birmingham City University as she had always taken a keen interest in how young children learn. “After I’d worked there for a year the manager signposted me towards a new postgraduate opportunity that specialised in the early years,” said Jenna. The course so far has been an enormous learning curve, enabling me to build on all areas of my professional development. The opportunity to work with all ages from birth to seven in a range of placements has given me a clear insight into how the process of the early years practice supports foundations in school. “I would highly recommend this course to others interested in working with young children as it has broadened my knowledge and understanding of the wider social context around early years practice and how early learning must be understood and fostered as a vital component to support our next generations.” To find out more about the PGCE Early Years with EYTS programme at BGU contact Amy Stancer on 01522 527347 or email enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Raising Standards of Early Years Provision and Care
Dr Pat Beckley, Senior Lecturer in Primary at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), was invited to speak and participate in a meeting at the Hallam Centre in London, organised by Inside Government, to discuss issues involved in raising standards of Early Years provision and care. Dr Beckley presented key findings of the book she has recently edited, Philosophy and Practice of Outstanding Early Years Provision and Supporting Vulnerable Children in the Early Years. The presentation highlighted the importance of working in partnership with all those involved in the care and education of young children, including parents, carers and the professionals around the child, to create a holistic approach for each child. The presented findings raised how particularly important this holistic approach could prove in changing circumstances, where challenges for parents, carers and young children who are vulnerable present themselves. Comparisons of learning and development in differing cultural contexts and approaches were raised along with why similar key factors in settings, such as knowledgeable practitioners and leaders with a shared vision, promoted successful outcomes for children. Settings in different contexts in England were used as examples to illustrate the outstanding pedagogy and practice observed. The philosophy that guided the settings was considered and how this had evolved through collaboration with a range of stakeholders. Photographic examples of how this was implemented in practice were shared, such as through creativity, bought and natural resources, exploration, investigation, indoor/outdoor learning and areas supporting time for children’s thinking. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943) was used as a reference guide for settings and how the unique philosophical ethos of each setting would strengthen responses when striving to raise standards. The complexity and commitment of the role of the practitioners working in early years was emphasised. The subsequent discussions following the presentations were lively and raised concerns about workload, training, valuing Early Years practitioners and funding issues. Dr Beckley explained why these areas are so important: “The birth-eight age phase represents a crucial stage in young children’s development, influencing individual wellbeing and life chances. It is vitally important that informed decisions on issues are made to promote and enhance the early years’ sector and those who work in it, to give all children worthwhile experiences as a foundation for their lives” Chairing the meeting was Professor Leon Feinstein, Director of Evidence, Children’s Commissioner for England and participants included Ruth George, member, APPG Childcare and Early Education and Jonathan Broadberry, Head of Policy and External Relations, National Day Nurseries Association. If you’re interested in a future in Early Years provision or Teaching there are few institutions that can provide a better experience than BGU. You can find information on our range of education based courses on our website, or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
BGU to Offer New Qualification for Early Years Teachers
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln will be training teachers in the early years sector for the first time from September 2014.BGU has been allocated 50 places to train teachers on programmes leading to Early Years Teacher Status (nought to five years), which means the university now trains those teaching learners aged from nought to 90. To help raise the status and quality of the early years workforce the Government has introduced Early Years Teacher Status which replaces Early Years Professional Status and has the same entry requirements and level of expectations as for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The new EYTS courses will run alongside the university's existing courses leading to QTS for teachers working with ages three to 19 and courses for those teaching in the lifelong learning sector. Courses will be available for graduates who intend to or already work in the early years sector. It will also be possible to combine study for a degree in Early Childhood Studies with study towards EYTS. "We're very pleased to have been allocated these places, which will enable us to broaden still further the range of teaching qualifications that we offer," said Nigel Appleton, Dean of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University. The fact that we have been allocated places for the new EYTS means this is the first time our training programmes will have covered the entire age range of learners, from babies to pensioners. "The new Early Years Teacher Status is an important development because there is clear evidence that high-quality early education and childcare can have a powerful impact on young children and can fully prepare them for school and later life." Details of the courses and how to apply can be obtained from enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk. News Release 2 January 2014 jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk -
BGU PhD Candidate Launches New Book for Early Years Professionals
On Monday we celebrated the launch of BGU PhD student Jo Cormack’s new book: ‘Helping Children Develop a Positive Relationship with Food’ for Jessica Kingsely Publishers. The book is designed to be a practical guide for those working with young children to better understand, manage and support children’s relationship with food. Revealing the different ways in which children can relate to food, the book aims to provide those around them with evidence based good practices to help them develop psychologically healthy eating habits. It also tackles issues such as picky eating, obesity and food anxiety. Having worked as a child and adolescent therapist (including with young people with eating disorders) and more recently, as a feeding consultant specialising in picky eating, Jo understands both the importance and the complexity of the discussions surrounding positive attitudes to food: "My work is all about the emotional and behavioural dynamics in eating. I am passionate about helping both parents and professionals understand how to support and nurture children's relationship with food. It is an extremely rewarding area." As a full time PhD candidate at BGU, Jo has built her writing around her studies, but her personal and professional curiosity has made balancing and driving her research an engaging challenge: “I love it at BGU. It’s such a privilege to have time and resources to complete my research.” Jo’s book launch formed part of a packed afternoon with an interactive research seminar alongside Dr Tony Eaude who discussed the complexity of primary teaching, covered in his new book ‘Developing the Expertise of Primary and Elementary Classroom Teachers’. You can find more information on BGU’s Education and Doctorate programmes on our website. -
Exploring Relationships, Sex and Health Education in the Early Years
Level 6 students on the Early Childhood Studies course at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) got to explore Relationship, Health and Sex Education in the Early years thanks to a guest lecture by Catherine Kirk of the RSHE Service. Organised as part of their 'Issues in Early Years’ module, the interactive session encouraged the students to discuss their memories of RHSE training from school before exploring this topic in relation to the early years. Catherine Kirk is an industry expert with over 20 years’ experience in RSE including leading development in two local authorities. She is also the founder of #RSEday, and current part-time RSE consultant for Nottingham City Council. Samantha Hoyes, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at BGU, helped set up the event and discussed the importance of students getting to interact with industry leaders: “The ‘Issues in Early Years’ module is all about broadening our student's knowledge of the early years and some of the current issues and themes in the sector. Catherine has over 20 years experience in RSHE and is currently involved in a range of projects around this topic, making her an ideal candidate for the students to learn from. Catherine’s session was really positively received by the students who enjoyed how interactive it was. In fact several of them have also continued to research the area further and are now covering this as their issue in early years. External speakers both enhance our modules and allow students to consider their own future career opportunities. Already this year we have welcomed a very experienced reception teacher in to talk about assessment in the early years and the upcoming changes, as well as a local Health visitor to enhance our health and wellbeing module and we look forward to offering more talks as the year progresses” To find out how you can create your own successes in our collaborative learning community, visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
Royal Seal of Approval for BGU Cornerstone Building
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will officially open the new library and student services building at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next month. The Princess Royal’s visit on Friday 15th February will round off a momentous year for the institution, which has celebrated its 150th anniversary and earned the right to use the university title for the first time. The £2.75 million Cornerstone Building at BGU, which was refurbished and extended last year, houses the university’s library and its student support and advice teams. During her visit The Princess Royal will meet dignitaries including the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Muriel Robinson OBE, the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Karen Lee, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson and Lincoln MP Karl McCartney. She will also meet staff and students at BGU and visit BG Futures, the university’s business incubation centre, and the university’s coffee shop Curiositea. Reporters, photographers and TV crews are welcome to attend. Full details and timings of the visit will be sent to the media nearer the time. “Everyone here is looking forward to The Princess Royal’s visit with tremendous excitement,” said Professor Muriel Robinson, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We are very proud of our new Cornerstone Building and we’re delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to open this fantastic facility. This event will cap an amazing 12 months for this institution, during which time we have celebrated 150 years of education in Lincoln and become recognised as a university for the first time.” The Cornerstone Building houses 135,000 resources including books, journals, audio-visual resources (DVDs, CDs), ebooks and a renowned Teaching Resources Collection, including children’s books, resource packs and puppet bags. It is also home to BGU’s Student Advice and Learning Development teams, bringing all the support students need in a first-class new facility. ——- 1 January 2013 Notes to editors: The timings of The Princess Royal’s visit will be released to the media in early February. The Princess Royal will also be visiting Lincoln College and Lindum Construction on 15th February. -
BGU Lays Foundations for Work-Based Degree
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln welcomed a new intake of Foundation Degree students in February to cope with high demand for places. 23 students enrolled on the two-year course at the beginning of February in addition to the 120 students who started in September. "The increased popularity of the foundation degree sparked our decision to introduce a second intake of students that commenced in February," said Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU. "This year we have enrolled a record number of students to the course, and further interest is still being shown for the forthcoming academic year." A former children's entertainer from Durham, Matthew St Julien, has set his sights on developing his knowledge and increasing his range of skills after enrolling onto the course. He has six years' experience dealing with young people after working as a Redcoat at two Butlins resorts and overseas in America for the kids club on the Disney Cruise Line. "I've always enjoyed working with children from an entertainment aspect but decided to broaden my horizons," said Matthew. "The foundation course BGU offers was my best option. The combination of applying my years of experience to theory is simply the best of both worlds." In addition to studying at BGU Matthew is also volunteering as a teaching assistant twice a week at The Meadows Primary School in Lincoln. "As a teaching assistant I am responsible for small group learning, which gives me the opportunity to practise what I am taught on the course with the children in a more controlled setting. The information I'm receiving from the course is an eye-opener and I am considering furthering my education at BGU to increase my career prospects." Mother-of-three from Caistor Rachael Goeminne made the decision to utilise her free time and her child raising experience by enrolling on the course last month. She currently volunteers at Caistor Church of England and Methodist Primary School twice a week while learning in her spare time. "I left education 26 years ago which made me particularly nervous when I first started the course," said Rachael. "However the tutors and advisors have been very welcoming which is encouraging. The course has exposed me to many possibilities that I will consider for my future career within teaching or social care. Juggling studying, volunteering and family responsibilities can be quite intense at times, but I'm enjoying it nevertheless and hope to continue on to do a BA Honours degree at BGU." The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-based course appropriate for people who want to gain industry experience alongside studying for a degree. Students require a minimum of one year's experience working or volunteering with children, and continue to do so over the duration of their study. Foundation degrees are the equivalent of two-thirds of a full honours degree (BA Hons). The courses are designed to provide students with both a qualification and relevant skills which will appeal to employers. "A large number of foundation degree students advance to do a third year at BGU to gain a full BA (Hons) degree as they understand its importance for career progression," said Sacha. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU offers three pathways: Early Childhood, Children and Youth Work and Learning Support. To find out how to apply for a place, visit our course pages or call 01522 527347. -
Demand is High for BGU's Work-Based Foundation Degree
A two-year course for people who want to study while continuing to work has proved so popular that Bishop Grosseteste University is to start a January intake of students to cope with demand. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-based course for people who are working and want to study for a degree. All the students are working or volunteering with children or young people and most are older than the typical A-level school leaver. “The foundation degree offers students the chance to reflect on their work with children, to improve their practice and to develop their thinking,” said Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU. “The course is very popular, and this year we’ve recruited more students for our foundation degree than ever before, so we’ve decided to introduce a second intake of students who will start the course in January.” Foundation degrees are broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelors degree (BA). They focus on a particular job or profession and are designed with employers’ needs in mind.“Many foundation degree students progress to do a third year at BGU to gain a full BA (Hons) degree,” said Sacha. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU offers three pathways: Early Childhood, Children and Youth Work and Learning Support. BGU will be hosting a foundation degree open evening for anyone interested in enrolling on Wednesday 30th October 2013 between 5.45pm and 8pm. Those attending will have the opportunity to talk to academic staff as well as foundation degree students past and present. To find out how to apply for a place, visit www.bgu.ac.uk/prospectus or www.bgu.ac.uk/courses or call 01522 527347. Case study: The Childcare Entrepreneur Boston student Vicky Wilson set up successful childcare business The Home Nursery while studying for a foundation degree at BGU. Vicky, who has two sons aged 10 and 12, was working at her local pre-school as Deputy Manager when she enrolled on the Foundation Degree (Early Childhood) at BGU in 2010. “I worked at the pre-school for the first year of my foundation degree but felt that I could progress further than my current position would allow me to do,” said Vicky. “I had an extension built onto the back of my home and registered as a childminder.” After completing her foundation degree and graduating with a first, Vicky continued her studies by topping up to a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood), from which she graduated with another first in July 2013. Vicky now employs three members of staff and has just expanded by restoring a grade-two listed property for use as a nursery. “If anyone is at a crossroads in their life, I would strongly recommend academic learning to find yourself,” said Vicky. “Studying while working full-time and having a family and home to look after is really hard work but it’s worthwhile in the end. “If I had not attended Bishop Grosseteste University, and achieved well beyond my own expectations, I would never have been in the position to own and manage my own nursery. It has been life-changing for me.” Case study: The Teaching Practitioner A Newark mum who works with children who speak English as a second language has broadened her horizons after starting on the FdA at Bishop Grosseteste University. Lisa Edwards (36), a peripatetic practitioner with the Nottinghamshire Achievement and Equality Team, follows the learning support pathway on the course. “Since beginning the foundation degree my skills and knowledge have greatly improved my levels of confidence and have created new opportunities within my role,” said Lisa. “While I used to be mainly involved with one-to-one pupil work, recently I have been involved in the developing of training for teachers in equality issues, and I have delivered racial harmony lessons to year 5 and 6 pupils. “I give advice visits to teachers on teaching strategies for EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils and I have also delivered training for PGCE students in strategies to use with pupils learning EAL. “The course has really given me the self-belief that I can progress my career further.” News release28th October 2013 -
War Horse Author Michael Morpurgo To Receive BGU Honour
Award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo, OBE is to be honoured by Bishop Grosseteste University at a graduation ceremony later this month. The author of War Horse will receive an honorary doctorate of the university at one of three graduation ceremonies which will take place at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 17th July. Other honorary awards will be given to Dame Clare Tickell DBE, Chief Executive of Action for Children and author of a recent review of early years education in the UK, and to Karen Lowthrop MBE, CEO of environmental social enterprise Hill Holt Wood near Lincoln. Dame Clare Tickell will receive an honorary doctorate at 10:15am on 17th July. Michael Morpurgo’s award will be given at 2:30pm and Karen Lowthrop will given an honorary doctorate at 7:15pm. A record total of 870 students will graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University at the ceremonies this year. “At our first graduation ceremonies as a university we will be pleased to recognise the achievements of three people who are excellent role models for our own graduating students,” said the Reverend Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “Michael Morpurgo is celebrated for his contribution to children’s literature and for his work setting up Farms for City Children. “Dame Clare Tickell DBE has made a significant contribution to our understanding of early childhood, particularly through her work as Chief Executive of Action for Children and her invaluable review of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. “Closer to home, Karen Lowthrop has made both a national and a local contribution to education in its broadest sense through her pioneering work at Hill Holt Wood. “These are all people whose careers have exemplified a real commitment to education for all ages and we will be proud to share another special day for Bishop Grosseteste University with them later this month.” Members of the media are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend please contact Jez Ashberry at Shooting Star PR on 01522 528540 or 07780 735071 or email jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk.
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