Nurseries And University Join Forces To Improve Profession
2 February 2012
From left to right: Deljeet Sangha from Harrington Nursery School, Christine McCrone from Lord Street Community Nursery School, Des Hewitt from the University of Derby, and Jill Falivena from Lord Street Community Nursery School
Great partnerships like this are at the centre of our success
”Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Derby, Des Hewitt.
Nursery schools from across the city have teamed up with the University of Derby to launch a network for people working with infants and young children.
A group of Headteachers and teachers from the eight local nursery and primary schools who have already signed up to the network, attended the official launch of the Early Years Hub at the University's Kedleston Road site on Wednesday 1 February 2012.
The Headteacher of Derby's Lord Street Community Nursery, Christine McCrone, who has been working with the University to develop the network said: "This is going to be such an inspiration for local early years staff.
"Through the network, professionals working with infants to seven year old children in nurseries and primary schools across Derby will be able to meet regularly to share good practice in our early years classrooms and explore the use of new equipment and resources.
"As the University of Derby was awarded an outstanding grade by OFSTED for Teacher Training in 2010, we know that their knowledge and support will be invaluable."
Many of the University's talented graduates go on to work in nursery schools and early years environments, and it was felt that maintaining connections would continue to benefit them in their professional lives and would also advantage the University's teaching.
At the launch event, Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Derby, Des Hewitt, reinforced the University's commitment to working with nurseries and schools.
He said: "Great partnerships like this are at the centre of our success. Our Education and Early Years Professional Status students and lecturers will also take part in regular meetings, so everyone will gain from a sharing of knowledge."
Also at the event was Deljeet Sahgha, who works at Harrington Nursery School while studying towards the final year of her BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree at Derby.
If you would like to find out more about the Derby Early Years Network contact Christine McCrone at Lord Street Community Nursery School, Derby, on telephone 01332 349363.
For more information on Education and Early Years courses at the University of Derby visit www.derby.ac.uk/education
