An early years education training organisation which gained university status this year visited our Ipswich campus to inspire a new generation of childcare professionals.
Bath-based Norland University of Early Childhood, often associated with Mary Poppins, gave around 50 learners a metaphorical spoonful of advice during an hour-long careers talk.
The idea was to give the youngsters a window into a new world outside nurseries and raise their aspirations.
Nadia Felgate is part of the early years lecturing team at Suffolk New College. She explains: “We are always striving for new and exciting opportunities for our learners, so it’s great to forge a link with such a prestigious university provider. In my opinion, today was all about broadening horizons, raising aspirations for our students’ next steps, and motivating them to succeed. They (Norland) have an amazing reputation, so it’s exciting to work alongside them.
She also hopes to create a close bond with the organisation. Nadia added: “We have an industry partner scheme that has over 200 partners, so we are going to look to continue with this relationship and create a long- term link with a globally known organisation.
Kate Morgan, Student Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator at Norland, said: “It was fantastic to meet students and staff at Suffolk New College and talk to them about the opportunities available through Norland’s BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree alongside the prestigious Norland diploma. It feels particularly poignant to be having these conversations this year, following our official launch as a university.
Norland brings together almost 135 years of heritage with the latest evidence-based early years research and professional practice. Our students combine academic study with extensive practical experience, employability training and specialist skills for the modern world, preparing them for highly sought-after careers as Norland Nannies and opportunities across the wider early childhood sector.”
Fraya Thomas, 16, from Brantham, is on a Level 3 T Level early childhood course at the college. Fraya said: “I learnt so much in terms of working with children. Norland has a great reputation . I like what they do, and I’m thinking of applying for their university programme.”
As the world’s first university dedicated to early childhood, Norland’s gold-standard training blends academic theory with practice to ensure students graduate fully qualified with extensive early years knowledge, practical skills and a wealth of hands-on experience.
More information is available on the Norland website.