Before starting their training,
the Australian students spent 2 evenings at College meeting Norland students
including getting involved in the Norland Choir’s rehearsal, learning how
Norland students make up carriage prams and meeting our reality babies.
Monday
Introduction day - On Monday
morning the training began with a session about the Norland history, all 123
years of it, together with information about Norland’s approach and what
training looks like today. The afternoon covered an introduction to the
Early Years curriculum (Early Years Foundation Stage) and a review of the
placements the Norland students have experienced.
Tuesday
Today the students looked at the
role of Early Years Practitioners - what are they are responsible for? What
qualities would you expect them to have? In the afternoon they got to meet two
of our qualified Norland Nannies, Chloe and Kate, and their charges. It was
fantastic to have some little visitors and for the students to hear first-hand
what it is like to work as a Norland Nanny in the UK.
Wednesday
Today the students started the day
with a visit to the Bristol
Scrap Store. Andy, the manager, met the group and gave us a tour and a chat
about how the Scrap Store works and its ethos. He talked through, and we got a
backstage look at, how PlayPods work
and the research around the benefits to children. The students were given time
to explore and take some items back to the college for use later in the week.
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The afternoon session was
taken by Norland Practical Skills Lecturer, and Norland graduate, Elizabeth
Kerry (@PracticalSkills). The students explored making music without
instruments and how this can link to different areas of children’s development
such as mathematical development and confidence. Then it was time for some
science experiments! We had exploding volcanos, chocolate painting, corn flour
play and magic raisins. All giving a wealth of opportunities for children’s
development and learning whilst being heaps of fun!
Thursday
Forest School Day! Despite
the good old English weather we trundled off into the Hidden Woods forest school where the
first task of the day was to get a roaring fire going. Our Forest School leader
took us through the process of fire building whilst covering what the Forest
School ethos is and how children benefit from spending time in the woods. We
talked about risks and how to manage these with children whilst still giving
them the opportunity to get involved and learn from their experiences.
When we got back (and warmed up!)
we used some of the resources we had collected from the ScrapStore to explore
Open Ended play. The students got the opportunity to see what they could make
to give them first-hand experience of what it is like when you are not
restricted by pre-defined outcomes and you can really let your creativity flow.
We had some great creative results!
Friday
Final day - Today was the final
day of the training which brought together all that the students had seen and
learnt throughout the week. The students had some lectures on the UK key person
approach and attachment theory, reflecting on what they thought an Early Years
Practitioner responsibilities and skills were from earlier in the week.
The afternoon was a baby care
workshop – including using a baby bump and reality babies to gain some
understanding of what it is like for expectant and new parents. Treasure
baskets and their use and content were also explored to sum up the week.
It was a fantastic week and
thoroughly enjoyed by all. We look forward to welcoming the next group of
students soon.
