Careers and Training
Work Matters: Early years professionals - Case studies
Liz Ludden is an associate tutor and EYP assessor at Edge Hill University. An EYP and a teacher, Liz owns and runs two nurseries in Liverpool and mentors EYP candidates within settings.
Lisa Fryer, who is on the full-time pathway at Edge Hill, demonstrated leadership and personal practice to support standard 33: Establish and sustain a culture of collaborative and co-operative working between colleagues.
For this standard assessors will be looking for evidence that the candidate is able to work collaboratively and co-operatively with colleagues to enhance children's well-being, learning and development, and for the ability to draw on the knowledge of colleagues and encourage them to share their expertise.
On placement at Dukes and Duchesses Day Nursery in Liverpool, Lisa quickly established a rapport with the 25 staff. She supported staff in a range of situations, making links to her academic modules and experience gained on previous placements.
Lisa wanted to build on communication training which had been accessed by two staff and so facilitated a visit to the Early Years Professional Development Centre at Wilton House, Chorley. This is set up to incorporate the six areas of learning. Colleagues observed the areas and thought of what adjustments could be made to their own learning environment to enhance language and communication. Lisa prepared a questionnaire which encouraged them to work towards a shared sense of purpose and establish shared values within the team.
Lisa used this opportunity to engage staff who had attended training on communication-friendly spaces and encouraged them to share their knowledge and understanding. She also encouraged colleagues to utilise other skills such as sewing and painting to transform the learning environment, and to create a space that encouraged communication.
To ensure the project was developed after her placement, Lisa helped produce an interactive display for staff to share evaluations and make links to EYFS areas.
Lisa was able to draw on this activity and evaluate it as part of her gateway review.
