Set 36 Employment Weeks

Set 36 have now completed their training at Norland College.  When students come to the end of their training they take part in three weeks of Employment preparation lectures; here is how Set 36 got on.

One of the very first things that the students do as part of their employment training is to sign the Norland Code of ProfessionalResponsibilities. This code is what all Norland graduates are expected to adhere to through out their careers as Early Years professionals. Following this the students filled in their DBS  forms. All Norland professionals that are placed through Norland Agency must have an up to date DBS (old CRB) that has been completed in the past 3 years - none of our students would be going out until these were complete.

Many of our students go on to work in London with families and so, to give the students a taster of London life and help them confidently navigate around the city, an orientation day in London took place.  It was a bright and early start, with the coach collecting us all from college at 6am!  It was a quiet journey up to London but just before we arrived the students were paired up and given their ‘tasks’ for the day.  The students then had to plan their day to complete their tasks whilst navigating themselves around London.  This is such a valuable day as it means mistakes can be made and confidence can be built on - all in preparation for interviewing for their future positions.

Following a day in London, the students spent a day shadowing a Norlander (a working Norland Nanny) in their position so that they could get a real life insight into being a nanny.  This was a fantastic experience for the students offering an invaluable taster of the role they are about to embark upon. The feedback was fantastic  “the day helped me to feel more confident about being a nanny” and “I had an amazing day and am very happy that we had the opportunity”.

At the end of the first week the Norland Diploma Day took place. This is when the graduating Set, this year Set 34, return to Bath to receive their Norland Diploma and badges. This was a fantastic day held at Bath Abbey which was attended by the Chair of BANES Councillor Martin Veal and The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Malcolm Lees, the graduates' friends, families and employers and the students and staff of Norland. The ceremony was closed by the Norland College Choir, led by Grenville Jones.

Diploma Day at Bath Abbey

The Norland College Choir

Our graduates, Set 34

The second week was kick-started with a self defence session. Set 36 learnt some basic self-defence techniques and strategies to protect not only themselves but also the children in their care. The sessions were run by Tae Kwondo instructor Andy Tombling. The students could soon be working and living in new places so these techniques are invaluable. 

Self Defence instructor Andy

The majority of the remainder of this week was dedicated to the Norland tradition of Display Day. This is an annual event where the leaving Set showcase their creative ability and the work they have completed over their two years at college. The event was held at the Bath Assembly Rooms and the students' friends and families were invited to attend a short awards ceremony. The day was fantastic and the Norland College Choir once again delivered an emotional performance, ending with an uplifting rendition of Pharrell Williams 'Happy'. 

Some of the students displays

Some resources made by the students

Some of Set 36 at their Display Day

Display Day awards ready to be handed out

The third and final week was a busy one! Students crammed in a skid pan defensive driving course, a life saving course, finance and contract talks and chose the jobs they wanted to apply for. This week ended with the end of term celebrations. Friday morning emotions were running high as the staff said goodbye to Set 36 and the students said some teary goodbyes to each other. By 12noon the college was empty of students and the silence was notable by all. 

Norland students at Skid Pan training

Set 36 have now started applying for and interviewing for their first positions working as the last year of Norland Probationary Nannies. Norland Agency will keep in touch with them throughout their careers and they will forever be part of the Norland family and welcomed back at any time.

Best of luck Set 36!