EYP Update: EYPS empowers lead role in a centre

Christine Radcliffe believes EYPS has given her more confidence in fulfilling her strategic role within Coldhurst Children's Centre in Oldham, as well as enhancing her ability to lead practice as daycare manager.

After gaining the sector-endorsed foundation degree in early years, Christine decided to embark on the full pathway for EYPS, achieving it last year.

'I was working full-time in my role as daycare manager, so juggling work and study was very challenging, although I did get one day off each week to attend Huddersfield University,' she says.

'Building up a portfolio of evidence that is really representative of how the standards have been met was one of the hardest parts for me. But as a whole the course was very rewarding and I enjoyed working with other people. I am still in touch with a couple of fellow students and they have gone into different areas such as community outreach and family services roles.'

Christine's day-to-day role is overseeing daycare for children from birth to five and providing a link with the school on site, particularly around transitions and the EYFS. She is also part of the centre's leadership team, which looks at wider issues such as how disadvantaged families are being reached.

'In my daycare role, EYP has boosted my ability to lead practice and advise staff on professional development and training. It has also given me more confidence in being part of the leadership team.

'I am now equipped to identify training needs, and can deliver training around the EYFS. It is very important to support staff to continue gaining qualifications. One of my colleagues has just completed EYPS and another two are deciding whether to go on and study for a foundation degree.

I view these higher study routes as being very important for us here, as they develop a strong knowledge of child development and also provide a social context for the work going on in children's centres.'

Christine says her fellow EYP also studied at Huddersfield University and undertook her work placement at the centre.

'When she had achieved the Status we took her on as a temporary staff member and then we appointed her to a job when one came up,' says Christine. 'Having two EYPs on-site works very well and we share a vision of what we are aiming for.

'We also have a thriving EYP network in Oldham which meets regularly. There are around 20 in the group.'

Christine believes EYPS is important for giving practitioners in children's centres an understanding of disadvantage and Every Child Matters.'It provides a deeper understanding of the work we do and why we are here,' she says. 'I appreciate that the centre management has a good understanding of EYPS and it has certainly enabled me to add to my role.'