Newsletter 23/24 Term 1

CARE AND CHILDCARE NEWSLETTER THE BEDFORD COLLEGE GROUP TERM 1

INSIDE COLLEGE VALUES TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES STUDY SKILLS 5 STAR AWARD & MORE!

Dear Students, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the new academic year. Many of you I have already met or spoken to and many of you I am yet to meet but I look forward to building a positive relationship with each and every one of you.

Many years ago my professional journey commenced as a Level 3 Health and Social Care student, in which I found my initial career pathway into the Early Years sector following an enjoyable and enlightening placement. Since then I have worked in many parts of both the Early Years, Education and Social Care sector including private, public and charitable organisations in which I have supported many families and children to reach their full potential.

I came to Teaching and Management in Further and Higher education following my passion to support emerging practitioners to have the confidence and knowledge to shape our professional standards and continue to drive forward the high exceptions of our vocational sector.

Nicola Shortland, Head of Department for Care, Childcare and Counselling contact Nicola via email: nshortland@bedford.ac.uk

Whilst I do not profess to know everything, I do have a good foundation of professional experience and lived experience as a student, practitioner and parent. I am open to new ideas and challenges and very much consider the success of a department such as Care and Childcare to be a team effort, in which you as a student have a very important role.

The teachers and staff in the department are as passionate about you succeeding as I am and we will continue to support and guide you in achieving the grades you work hard for and having the positive experience you rightly deserve.

I would like to end my first communication through our new magazine with some advice: Your attendance will shape your outcome and good attendance is vital to ensure your own success.

Your courses are classroom based and you must attend to be part of the rich conversation in which learning occurs, to hear the instruction and direction of how your learning contributes to assessment and progression and to develop a sense of community and belonging in which we want you to feel part.

You are unlikely to reach your full potential if your attendance is not good, for your own benefit commit to having full attendance and investing in your own future!

SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

YOUR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT TUTOR

email: safe@bedford.ac.uk

email: jbecker@bedford.ac. uk

YOUR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT email: nshortland@bedford. ac.uk

STUDENT SERVICES email: studentservices@ bedford.ac.uk 01234 291770

Upcoming events: Parent Consultation Evening: Monday 20th November

Our College Values

Our top STUDY SKILLS Kate says; Work out what your “time sponges” are and what you can do about them!

Jamila says; Always proof read your work and check for spelling and grammar (SPaG) errors.

Ruth says; Read and familiarise yourself with the different command verbs!

Nic says; Carry out around 20 minutes a day of further reading to support your writing.

Welcome!

What's been happening? Take a look here.

Induction week!

Induction Week included plenty of fun and interesting activities that our Care & Childcare students got involved with!

SSG Services arrived with a rock climbing wall, archery, football darts and other inflatables.

Other activities included; Team Building fun Scavenger Hunts Meet the staff and more!

Enrichment activities!

2nd Year Childcare students recently attended the Childcare & Education Expo in Coventry. The Childcare expo is considered to be the social early years event of the year. Offering a wide range of features and opportunities for attendees to enhance their professional development, network with peers and explore innovative products and services.

A vocationally valuable and exciting trip for students and staff… we will be returning next year!

Enrichment activities!

Our trips to Forest School have been excellent so far.

Students were able to work on their team building skills, as well as learn new strategies to support them in placement!

Show Racism the Red Card 2023

On Thursday 19th October, we demonstrated our support for Showing Racism the Red Card. Our students wore red and cultural dress, worked together to “protect their balloons” and took part in various anti-racism activities across their classes.

Our tea and coffee morning was an opportunity for students to talk openly about their mental health, whilst enjoying a cuppa and biscuits!

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY 2023 Ruth and the childcare students gathered natural resources to create clay models that express emotions

NOTICES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONNOLLY FOUNDATION BURSARIES OPEN IN NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER

The Connolly Foundation offer £500 bursaries open to all Health and Social Care students. It is not means tested against household income and does not have to be paid back!

To apply, you must: Be up to date with assignments Have good attendance Speak to your course manager/PAT for more information!

GCSE Exam Arrangements Due to GCSE exams, college will have a delayed start on the following dates (unless you are sitting your GCSE English); -Tuesday 7th November 2023 -Thursday 9th November 2023 Lessons will begin from 1:15PM on these dates. Students will be expected to work from home in the morning of these dates.

5 STAR AWARD ...

Students will be nominated for their progress against the following criteria:​ Attendance​ Progress on course​ Work Experience​ Enhancement ​ Over and beyond expectations There will be a monthly award, termly award and yearly award!

Monthly and termly nominees must meet 3 out of the 5 star point criteria through the month.

Yearly nominees must have been consistently nominated throughout the year and maintain standards for outstanding performance across a range of star point criteria!

Prizes may include; Cash prizes from £10 to £150 A choice of vouchers Course equipment

5 STAR AWARD WINNERS...

Shakira Clouden Level 2 Health and Social Care, Group B

September

A new winner will be announced each month!