Castleford College Childcare & Health Newsletter Spring 2025

Department Newsletter

castleford.ac.uk

Welcome

Greetings from Castleford College’s Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies, and Health, Social Care & Wellbeing departments.

My name is Carla Cantrell and I am thrilled to welcome you to read our departmental newsletter. This newsletter gives you a taste of the exciting college life at Castleford College as well as a glimpse into the dynamic and supportive environment of the department.

In this newsletter, you can find out what our current students have been up to over the past year, from hosting community events to going on enrichment trips and learning vital skills to prepare them for employment.

As the head of the department, I am continually proud of our students, their hard work and commitment to their studies and work placements. The department is full of friendly faces who all have something in common –a passion for caring for others.

I hope you enjoy reading through the newsletter and finding out about all the exciting things we have been up to lately.

CHILDCARE, EARLY YEARS & CHILDHOOD STUDIES

HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE & WELLBEING

Immersive VR Learning

Our Level 2 Early Years Practitioner students had the opportunity to try out the College’s brand-new state-of-the-art VR headsets as part of the I-innovate Digital Learning Hubs. The students used the VR

By stepping into these VR environments, students could practice and refine their skills in a controlled, realistic setting. This innovative technology has enhanced our students’ learning and provided a unique

Carla Cantrell Head of Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies and Health, Social Care & Wellbeing

Hear from our Students The Care &

Early Years department host Storytelling Event for Children

Childcare & Early Years

Maddie

Level 3 Childcare & Early Years

“I chose Castleford College because it allowed me to do the course that would lead to my chosen career. I am studying Level 3 Childcare and Early Years at the moment and would like to go on to Higher Education to train to be a primary school teacher. My tutor has helped me a lot particularly understanding work if I am struggling with it and I really enjoy the placement because it allows us to put everything we have learned into practice.”

As part of its efforts to enrich the learning experiences of local children, the College’s Care & Early Years Department welcomed over 50 children and their parents to a storytelling event at Wakefield College during half-term.

Health & Social Care

Billie

Level 2 Health & Social Care

“I am studying Level 2 Health and Social Care because I want to be a social worker in the future. My plan is to pass my Level 2 and move onto the Level 3 course as it will give me a better opportunity to get to university.”

Hosted by its Childcare students and tutors, children aged four to seven and their families attended the event where they enjoyed a morning of fun activities, storytelling and dressing-up - all to enrich children’s learning experiences.

From space to animals, science, traditional tales, under the sea and more, each classroom had a theme and was decorated to immerse the children into the stories.

Besides the storytelling sessions, the morning was full of varied activities such as arts and crafts, biscuit decorating, sandpit play and face painting, meaning there was something for everyone.

CPR Training

Our Level 1 Wellbeing learners developed their life skills through critical CPR training with Health Science Lecturer and Community First Responder, Katie Walsh, as part of British Heart Foundation’s Heart Awareness Month. This essential training has upskilled the students and will provide vital learning for both their personal and professional futures.

Health & Social Care Work Placements

+ SEN schools

+ Family Hubs

+ Care homes

The Health and Social Care Department offers a variety of placement opportunities that allow our students to gain valuable experience while contributing to the community.

At Castleford College we work closely with a local SEN school where students are given the opportunities to support children 1-to-1 in small classroom environments, providing a helping hand to the teachers and supporting the children with their learning and development.

We also have Family Hubs local to Castleford where students can be part of a fun and engaging team of professionals who provide lots of fun activities for children and supportive groups for young parents.

We work with a Family Centre that provides recreational and educational services for adults with learning difficulties. Students can engage in fun activities that range from football, karaoke, baking, walks around the local town and even supporting the residents to knit and learn other new skills.

Students can also take part in placements in local care homes where they can support residents with their everyday tasks such as getting up out of bed, preparing for visitors, and planning and carrying out activities with residents including craft making.

A Day-in-the-life on Placement at a Primary School

A typical day working in a Primary School could look something like this…

+ Helping to set up the different classroom areas

+ Preparing the snack area for the children

+ Support with registers

+ Lead a baking activity

+ Support children outdoors with activities and games

+ Supervise the Maths area, asking open questions and practicing numeracy

+ Helping the children pack up to leave

+ Prepare the room for the next day

No two days are the same working when with children, they can be challenging but exciting!

Childcare & Early Years Work Placements

+ Registered childminders

+ Nurseries

+ Preschools

+ Infant schools

The Care & Early Years Department offers a variety of placement opportunities that allow our students to gain hands on experience while making a positive impact on young children’s lives.

Activities and jobs students have been assigned to on their placements include:

+ Implementing exciting and engaging activities with groups of children, which have been planned, made, practiced and prepared in College.

+ Lead group story and singing time using the student’s own homemade props and story aids.

+ Responsible for a small group of children whilst on a trip or educational visits.

+ Accompany the childminder to stay and play sessions, school runs and visits to the park.

+ Working in partnership with the teaching team, helping to set up the tables and daily continuous provision activities.

Our Students are supported in both College and by their placement provider, developing skills to become enthusiastic role models and educating young minds through valuable first-hand experiences.

OPEN EVENTS

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OUT MORE ABOUT...

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A LEVELS* FOUNDATION LEARNING

* Wakefield College only

WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER 5pm-7pm WEDNESDAY 11th FEBRUARY 5pm-7pm SATURDAY 15th NOVEMBER 10am-12pm SATURDAY 13th JUNE 10am-12pm EVENTS 2025 EVENTS 2026

WEDNESDAY 16th OCTOBER 5pm-7pm WEDNESDAY 12th FEBRUARY 5pm-7pm SATURDAY 23rd NOVEMBER 10am-12pm SATURDAY 14th JUNE 10am-12pm

All events will take place at Wakefield College and Castleford College

Events taking place at both Wakefield College and Castleford College

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