A star of a popular CBeebies programme has joined forces with Suffolk New College to support all childcare provision at the educational establishment.
Ben Faulks – better known as Mr. Bloom from CBeebies – visited the educational establishment with his wife Mimi – to launch their Let’s Grow programme.
Suffolk New College will be the first ever further educational institution to adopt Let’s Grow.
Created in line with the national curriculum, the scheme has been developed by Ben and Mimi and has created a set of resources to help teach early years learners new skills.
Lee Mandley is the director of service industries and science at the college and he is delighted with the deal. He said: “This is huge for us. Our students and staff will get additional skills and access to Let’s Grow resources.
“The platform has been introduced to them and it’s awesome. The whole idea is based around growing – whether that’s growing fruits or vegetables or helping others grow as people.
“We believe it will make our students more employable in the future. Every year our new students will also become part of the Let’s Grow philosophy. We have an excellent curriculum already – but this is helping us to step it up to a new level.”
Ben Faulks, (aka Mr. Bloom) is an actor, writer, producer, co-founder and creator of Let’s Grow. He said: “We had a cracking day (at Suffolk New College). It’s been eight months since conversations began between us. We have a really aligned vision.
It’s great to meet the staff in person and get the students up and running.
“We believe this is a trailblazing opportunity that will help students get a head start with their careers. This (Let’s Grow) is a labour of love and we can’t wait to build on this partnership.”
Mimi Faulks runs Let’s Grow. She said: “There is a lot of enthusiasm for Let’s Grow to be integrated into the curriculum at the college. The students are going to learn from it as they set about becoming the educators of the future. We are driven to support people to become the best versions of themselves. Our educational tools can help people to achieve this, with our unique approach to nature and nurture, that lies at the heart of our methodology. It’s absolutely brilliant that Suffolk New College share our philosophy.”
Kevin Claudino, 18, from Ipswich is studying on an Education and Childcare T-Level at Suffolk New College.
On the link up, Kevin said: “I really like how they (Let’s Grow) have used a well-known TV character who’s got brand recognition that children might already know and incorporated that into their learning.
“I think it’s really important because it offers new perspectives and a different way of thinking about things (as a future childcare practitioner).”
Paige Da Costa Silva Callaghan, 18, from Ipswich is on education and Childcare T-Level. Paige said: “I thought it was really informative.”
After the event, another industry partner session took place. Around 50 people working in the childcare industry received a Let’s Grow presentation and also got the chance to network at Chefs’ Whites restaurant in Ipswich.
They also received presentations from Heather Pearne from the Bows & Arrows Group. And Ruth Coleman and Natasha Trinder from Highfield Nursery School, and The East of England Stronger Practice Hub also gave a talk.