Introduce
The experiences and opportunities that children have in their earliest years greatly influence the rest of their lives. These formative years lay the foundation for their education and future success in school and work. However, the quality of these early experiences also affects many other areas, from their long-term health and wellbeing to their ability to contribute to their communities and society.
Develop
Getting these are the building blocks right is critical for the children involved – and it is also key to building a Greater Manchester which is vibrant, safe, secure and successful. In recognition of this the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has made improving early years outcomes one of its priorities. To achieve this it is working to coordinate employers and organisations across Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.
This work recognises that the key to delivering change is supporting the people who work with our youngest children. We need to make sure that the GM workforce has access to training and development opportunities and recognition for their skills and knowledge – and this e-learning module is part of that offer.
Our GM early years workforce is large and varied. It consists of formal roles, including early years and childcare practitioners, health visitors, midwives, teachers, family support workers, and those in specialist health and social care roles; and also the wider workforce who may not have direct responsibility for children’s outcomes but play a key role in the planning and delivery of services for them.
And of course, it consists of an even larger ‘informal’ workforce. Some of these are volunteers and those who work with children and families every day as part of their jobs.
Reflect
Whatever you bring to this course in terms of prior experience and formal or informal role, it aims to develop your insight into some of the most fundamental principles of early years practice.
