In Cheshire there is a thriving and growing network, led by Alex Seftonand Kim Kellock, where EYPs have already reaped the benefits of meetingand discussing issues with other professionals. The monthly, full-daymeetings are held at children's centres around Cheshire and are normallyorganised around specific training requirements, suggested by members ofthe group. These have included schemas, learning journeys, Mastersdegrees and the Early Years Foundation Stage. The day concludes with aguided tour around the children's centre.
The network has delivered a number of benefits, including opportunitiesfor continuing professional development, sharing ideas and experiences -particularly in the context of the EYFS - and visiting children'scentres to gain insights into different services offered. The meetingshave also been an ideal forum for exchanging information aboutexhibitions and conferences, and promoting a feeling of belonging.
Contact: eyp@kathybrodie.com
eyp@kathybrodie.com
A number of benefits have been identified by the enthusiastic members ofthis network:
- Continued professional development. The EYPs identify their own areasof expertise which need developing, ensuring that training is pertinentand is delivered by a professional in the relevant field.
- Sharing ideas and experiences with others. This has recently beenimportant within the context of the EYFS where there has been muchdiscussion about how observations are recorded and the way the EYP mightfacilitate this.
- Visiting such a range of children's centres has been incrediblyeducational, providing insights into the different services offered andhow these are managed in each area. The highlight, so far, has been afull day trip to the internationally renowned research centre at PenGreen in Corby, Northamptonshire.
- The meetings have been an ideal forum to exchange information aboutconferences, exhibitions and further qualifications.
- A feeling of belonging. EYPs have talked about how, as a result ofbeing a part of this network, they feel less isolated and more confidentto use their expertise having exchanged their ideas with other EYPs.
Being able to give feedback to the senior management team was a hugebenefit of the network. For example, we arrived at one meeting to findTim Vaughan, principal manager for the Early Years Foundation stage,ready to discuss our experiences as EYPs. This was a unique opportunityto speak frankly about our EYP training experiences and variedexperiences following on from this.
Of course, each network will evolve differently in each area, accordingto the needs and aspirations of local EYPs. Undoubtedly your networkwill be able to offer you similar benefits to ours and possibly evenmore. Whatever your network looks like, use it!
Kathy Brodie achieved EYP status in September 2007 with Liverpool HopeUniversity. She develops and delivers tailored early years trainingpackages to facilitate nurseries and schools in Cheshire with theimplementation of the EYFS. She can be contacted at eyp@kathybrodie.com.