With training offered by local authorities now being curtailed by cuts, the Childcare Consultancy is urging nurseries to think carefully about the type of CPD they need for staff. 'It is important settings think about their needs rather than waiting to see what local authorities offer,' says senior consultant Derek Hayes. 'With the emphasis moving to early intervention, the range of CPD will reduce and settings will have to start thinking about what they can achieve on their own.'
The Childcare Consultancy has launched a programme of CPD workshops, headlined by a package of management courses. These can be taken as standalone, one-day courses, or put together to count towards Leadership and Management - Self-evaluation for Early Years Settings, an accredited Level 4 qualification.
'Demand for leadership courses is strong,' says Mr Hayes. 'Quite often they are being used as a taster for EYP Status or even EYPs will take them as a top-up. While all EYPs have to achieve the 39 standards, the modules differ between training providers and some will still be in need of additional management training.'
The one-day Introduction to Leadership course examines authoritarian and democratic leadership styles. 'One of the biggest course strands is looking at delegation, something many staff struggle with,' says Mr Hayes.
Under the title Reflective Leadership, three one-day courses are offered. These focus on developing abilities and look at the impact of praise/criticism. The techniques of appraisals are examined to see how they can have the most positive effect. 'It is important to carry out an appraisal at the right time of year when they can feed into budgeting, a business plan or staff restructure,' says Mr Hayes. 'Staff will identify them as a benefit when they feel that they can make a timely difference to their role. Appraisals are an EYFS requirement; it is vital managers understand how to conduct them.'
To achieve Level 4 management qualification, participants need to complete a reflective learning log, submit four assignments and visit one setting and complete a report, in addition to attending four face-to-face sessions. By the end, students will be able to identify robust staff supervision systems, strengths and areas of improvement. The course links to the Early Years Quality Improvement Support Programme, enhancing quality within provision.
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