There's no substitute for experience - particularly in the childcare sector. Each setting has its own ethos and, of course, all children have different needs. In line with this, the Early Years Apprentice (EYA)system emphasises the work-based aspect of training childcare workers, with students in college for one day a week to learn the theory, and the rest of the time applying that theory in a childcare setting.
However, this assumes the setting can afford to pay for the student. In semi-rural areas, for example, settings are smaller and often miles from each other, so the cost of giving students suitable experience can be prohibitive.
Such was the situation in Northumberland in January 2005, when Northumberland College decided to launch an EYA scheme at levels 2 and 3, in a joint partnership with Sure Start Northumberland. 'Because Northumberland is a largely rural county, nurseries are widely dispersed and already have their full Ofsted ratio of children to staff,' says Diane Wood, a deputy head of faculty in the college's Access, Care and Education Faculty, which houses the early years department. 'So taking on a student meant they would have to pay them themselves, which many couldn't do.'
Which is where Sure Start Northumberland came in, with a 10,000 Barriers to Training grant. 'Travel costs come out of the course's funding, but the Sure Start money pays for the student's 80 weekly training allowance if the provider can't afford it - otherwise the provider pays it,' explains Sharon French, the course's team leader at the college.
'Although we work a lot with local education authority (LEA) settings, it's mostly an equal split between private, LEA and Sure Start Children's Centres, so there's the idea of dipping into the Sure Start funding as and when it's needed.'
But while this has given the college greater access to nurseries willing to offer placements, it has not been plain sailing. 'One issue, for example, is that for not much more than the cost of a student, a nursery can get a fully qualified NVQ level 2 full-time nursery nurse,' says Ms French.
Yet the benefits of the course - to both student and setting - are winning support. 'What sets it apart is that providers can dictate what students learn, tailoring their training to the needs of the particular nursery,'
says Susan Turner, proprietor of Swiftdale nursery in Bedlington.
In the past, Ms Turner had taken students from elsewhere, and with mixed results, but she was encouraged by the college to come on board because, unlike previously, she has contact with college staff through regular visits to her nursery.
'It was also made clear from the start that if there were any problems with a student we could withdraw from the arrangement, which was important for parents' peace of mind,' she says. 'The course also has a clear structure and good accountability, as well as set measurable goals.'
As for the students, there are nearly 60 on track from a wide variety of backgrounds and academic achievements, with another 45 waiting to start in September.
Male students have been targeted, but so far only two have signed up. One of which is Nathan Hindmarsh, aged 17, who works at Rascals nursery at Ashington Children's Centre, with two- to three-year-olds.
He says, 'It's harder than I thought - it was shattering at first. You definitely need to be able to multi-task. But I've had good all-round support from everyone. If I need anything I only have to ask.'
Treating the students as a fellow member of staff is another key aspect of the scheme, as it gives them a chance to prove themselves. And their proximity makes them the ideal candidates should a full-time position come up at the setting. Once they are in post, some settings are also sponsoring the former student to continue their training.
Not all the students would be in that happy position, however, but what they do all come away with are two nationally-recognised qualifications - the technical certificate and the NVQ - as well as a minimum of a year's work-based experience.
Ms Turner has the last word on the EYA programme. 'Because of the quality of the training and experience, the scheme produces well-qualified childcare workers for the area,' she says. 'But this issue is not specific to Northumberland - it's a universal thing.'
Further information
* www.surestart. gov.uk
* www. childcare careers.gov.uk
