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'Let's Play' event held at BGU
The Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (SENDI) team at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to have welcomed Neil Stuart from Autism New Zealand, who joined us for the day to share the Let’s Play approach. This adult-change programme enables parents and early years practitioners to offer joyous and quality experiences of play from the child’s own patterns, making it possible for young children with autism to enjoy playing with their parents and carers without uncertainty or fear.'Fantastic and engaging presentation. Thoroughly enjoyed listening & hopefully putting some strategies into practice.' Bev Clark (Parent/ PAACT) Over a hundred attendees from across Lincolnshire and surrounding counties gathered on Thursday 20th June at BGU, to join in this one-off opportunity to learn more about New Zealand’s national early steps programme. The mixed audience of parents, practitioners, students, academics, and other professionals had opportunities to gain new understanding and reflect on their own approaches, learning to relate and connect through playfulness in ways meaningful for the child. The day’s free training was highly entertaining and drew on ingenious metaphors to raise empathy and to demonstrate the importance of change in the adult rather than the child. Complete with evidence base, video coaching and the simplicity of ‘pattern, memory, variation’, this approach got everybody thinking.'This is the second time I have visited Bishop Grosseteste University to see Neil and he has not disappointed on either occasion. His character, passion and knowledge about the subject of play, in particular engaging autistic children in play, is captivating. I would thoroughly recommend. Each time I left feeling a renewed energy to pass on the little gems of wisdom we learned to the team back in our setting.' Anna Thorpe (Abbey Academies)'Inspirational – affirms the way we work when supporting autistic children and their families to build connections and meaningful relationships; the principles, ethos and beliefs.' Adele Sherrif (WTT) From the feedback, it was widely agreed this innovative approach had been insightful and inspiring, providing everything needed to implement the new thinking and to change practice. A huge thank you to Neil who enabled us to share this humanist approach as a free event.'Brilliant training leaving a lot to think about and move forward with.' Ellie Newton (WTT) This SENDI team event contributes to a series of international collaborations of knowledge exchange, enhancing understanding through international perspectives. If you are interested in receiving information about future SENDI events or to discuss courses at BGU, please contact admissions@bishopg.ac.uk or julia.lindley-baker@bishopg.ac.uk (Programme Leader, SENDI). -
Students graduate in exciting Early Childhood degree pathway
In September 2021, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) introduced students to the opportunity to work towards sector endorsed graduate practitioner competencies alongside the BGU BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies programme. The ECGPC (Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies) pathway seeks to strengthen the link between placement and theory, developing a graduate led workforce across the ECEC sector. It includes 80 days of placement in a variety of settings, an additional portfolio, and a very special end point assessment where they showcase all they have learned. This is therefore the first year of completion. This route, along with our traditional BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, is full and relevant, meaning they are ready and qualified to work within the Early Childhood sector. BGU students Marina Quaresma and Katy Evans graduated from the University on Thursday 24th July 2024 with a qualification in BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner). Prior to graduation they both completed their End Point Assessment for their chosen routes, demonstrating the skills they have learned across their extensive placement. Both of them are BGU's very first students to graduate with the ECGPC! The GPC route really benefits practical skills such as planning activities and observing children. Placement offers the opportunity to see the theory in practice and allows you to build relationships with local settings. The E-diary also benefits your reflective skills and allows you to look back on what you have learnt. My favourite part was watching the children flourish under my care and the relationships I made along the way. Katy Evans The Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies aim to: 1. Remove the confusion in the sector about how ECS Degrees are aligned to practice requirements in the four nations of the UK. 2. Address the inherent challenges of different types of Early Childhood degrees and study pathways, enabling the wider workforce to be clear about individual early career graduates’ expected level of knowledge, skills and actual experience in practice. 3. Acknowledge the different pathways that lead learners to undertake the degrees, enhance their practice experience and enhance employability skills. 4. Ensure that Higher Education academic routes are responsive to the changing needs and training routes in early years practice, education and the wider Children’s Services workforce. 5. Make a significant contribution to strengthening a graduate-led Early Childhood workforce that is responsive to workforce needs and improves outcomes for children. 6. Afford students with placement opportunities to critically apply theory to practice in a range of Early Childhood settings and/or schools, social care and health settings. This will enable students to develop graduate skills in the application of the inter-disciplinary Early Childhood knowledge base to reflective practice. 7. Provide new opportunities for graduates who want to strengthen their practice in Early Childhood and/or progress to post-graduate academic programmes or professional training, including Early Years Teacher (0-5), Teacher (3-11), Social Work and health professions. ECSDN. (2020). Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies -
Dr Duncan Mercieca
Dr Duncan Mercieca lectures in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion at BGU. His research draws upon post-structural philosophers to think through educational issues, in particular, those related to diversity and otherness; inclusion and disability; and critiquing education research and its methods. Duncan also works in a special school in Scotland. -
Model United Nations (MUN) event hosted at BGU campus!
Teams of students each represented countries across North, Central and South America. -
BGU Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students earn nationally recognised Primary Science Enhancement Award (PSEA)
The PSEA scheme enables student teachers to increase their experience and understanding of teaching and learning in primary science. -
Student and Lincolnshire binman self-publishes first book detailing newfound purpose despite difficult beginnings
Ivan Goslett, Theology, Philosophy and Ethics student at BGU, has self-published his own book. -
Nishi Bremner
Nishi is a Senior Lecturer in Primary & Early Years Initial Teacher Education and ITaP Coordinator at Bishop Grosseteste University, having joined the institution in September 2024. She brings over 25 years of successful teaching experience across diverse educational settings, including inner city schools in London, village schools, and international schools in Spain, before settling in Lincolnshire in 2011.Beginning her career after completing a PGCE in London, Nishi progressed through various teaching roles and year groups, ultimately serving as Deputy Head Teacher and Head of Academy at a school in a deprived area of Lincolnshire. Her extensive classroom experience provides a strong foundation for her current role in teacher education.Coaching and mentoring are central to Nishi's professional passion. She served as ECT Lead for 10 years, successfully supporting and mentoring Early Career Teachers in school settings. This commitment to developing new educators led to collaborative work with the EoETTC and SCITT programmes as a School Based Mentor and Quality Assurance Mentor. Her expertise in clinical practice, coaching and mentoring aligns seamlessly with her ITaP coordinator responsibilities.Nishi has also contributed to academic scholarship, co-authoring a chapter on supporting vulnerable children in the Early Years alongside BGU colleagues. Her areas of specialism include EYFS, Mathematics, Assessment and Science, with interests in English as an Additional Language (EAL) and supporting children and families from disadvantaged backgrounds.Through her experience and ongoing commitment to mentoring trainees, Nishi continues to champion the development of high-quality teaching practice and the support of newly qualified educators entering the profession. -
Honorary Professor at BGU publishes memoir detailing life as archaeologist
A new memoir published by Dr Mick Jones entitled ‘Digging Lincoln’, documents his life working as an archaeologist, primarily within the city of Lincoln. -
Education
Our MA Education offers a flexible programme suitable for both early career educators and experienced practitioners. Available in three study modes—full-time (1 year), part-time blended (2 years), and part-time online (2 years)—this master's degree allows you to examine educational issues that matter to you professionally. You'll build advanced knowledge to develop your expertise and enhance your practice through academic study combined with practical application. By completing this programme, you'll gain a critical understanding of educational theory and practice, strengthen your skills in your chosen areas, and boost your career prospects. The programme is designed to meet the needs of educators from various sectors including primary, secondary, further and higher education, private providers, and non-profit organisations. -
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