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  1. Early Years Education
    Our MA Early Years Education is designed for practitioners who wish to build expertise in early childhood education and support the development of research informed and evidence-based practice. Available in three study modes—full-time (1 year), part-time blended (2 years), and part-time online (2 years)—this programme allows you to examine current practice and policy while developing your knowledge of early years settings. You'll gain a systematic understanding of key national and global issues relating to Early Years Education, build critical awareness of theory and practice, and strengthen your research skills. The course suits professionals across various contexts including education, social care, and health, helping you enhance both your professional practice and career prospects in this important field. Whether you are currently in a professional setting or preparing for future roles across various contexts including education, social care, and health, the programme supports both practical application and the development of insights that can inform and shape your future practice
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Dr Nyree-Anne Nicholson
    Programme Leader - Professional Studies Nyree Nicholson is the Programme Leader for the Professional Studies team, and teaches across the three pathways on the Professional Studies Foundation, Honours and Master’s Degrees. She joined Bishop Grosseteste University in 2015. Prior to this Nyree worked as a Programme Leader within another Higher Education intuition. Nyree worked with the Early Years Sector for eleven years also working as a foster carer for twenty years. Teaching Nyree teaches on the Foundation, Honours and Master’s Degrees across the Professional Studies pathways. Her teaching interests include all aspects of early childhood development. Nyree has a particular interest in Early Years research, collaborative practice, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the Early Years Practitioner’s role planning and assessment within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Nyree is also interested in how the practitioner develops their own professional identity through experience and education.
  9. Early Childhood Studies
    The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is a three-year undergraduate programme which introduces students to aspects of education, health and social care, with a specific focus on children from 0 – 8 years of age. The course offers graduates a range of employability opportunities with module content supporting students in developing a wide range of transferable skills, as well as providing a curriculum which enables students to develop their academic skills. Students who graduate from the programme will be awarded a full and relevant degree enhancing employability by enabling them to seek roles in early childhood settings as part of the adult: child ratio. Furthermore, students may also choose to work towards an award which embeds graduate practitioner competencies into their study.
  10. Dr Alison Riley
    Alison Riley coordinates and teaches on our successful BA Early Childhood Studies programme. She joined Bishop Grosseteste University in 2007 as a lecturer on the work-based learning courses for classroom assistants and other educational support workers. Prior to this Alison worked in a variety of school based roles including senior leadership. Alison is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Teaching Alison teaches on the undergraduate Early Childhood Studies programme. Her teaching interests include the influence of policy, provision and legislation in educational settings and leadership and management in Early Years settings. Alison’’s interests focus predominantly on the role of the early years practitioner, enabling her to utilise her former role in education to support students seeking a route into teaching or other roles within early years settings. Building on her Master's research, Alison also has a particular interest in the development of study skills in higher education.

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