MNT Training, based in Basingstoke, has received a grant worth 39,000 from the CWDC to offer 600 free places on its induction childcareapproval training course for nannies and childminders. Philippa Murray,MNT's director of training and education, says, 'The current round offunding from the CWDC is targeted for use with childcare professionalswho find it hard to gain funding from other sources. We hope otherstakeholders such as local authorities will follow this example andprovide funding for home-based childcarers.' Free places are availablenationwide on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 0870 2202657 orvisit www.mnttraining.co.uk.
Making level 2 more accessible
CACHE has reduced the minimum age for completing its Level 2 Certificatein Children's Care, Learning and Development from 16 to 14 years. Nowork experience or placement are required and it is expected to becomeincreasingly popular, with work placements often difficult to obtain.These candidates will now be able to gain technical knowledge from anearlier age which will help them to progress to higher qualificationswhen they reach 16. They will also be able to choose to be assessedthrough a multiple choice question paper or a time-framed short answerresponse based on a case study. See www.cache.org.uk.
Coup for Chelmsford College
Chelmsford College in Essex has been awarded a five-year contract by theMinistry of Defence to provide a package of training to staff working inchildcare settings at British army garrisons in Germany. Since the pilotscheme kicked off last year, 50 students already working in a settinghave enrolled on the CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Children's Care,Learning and Development. Course tutor Elizabeth Evans said, 'Many ofthe level 2 learners now want to progress to level 3 and it is part ofthe long-term plan to be able to offer them higher level or foundationdegree courses.'
Success for Family Learning
Family Learning services have received a boost in the South Londonborough of Newham. As part of the recent Family Learning week, two-hourtaster sessions were organised in schools, focusing on creativeactivities. More parents have since enrolled for a 12-week familylearning course. Children who took part last year were deemed morenumerate and on average increased their reading age by 9.7 months. Seewww.newham.gov.uk/services/learningcommunityservices.