EDUCATION: Argyll and Bute Early Years Team go from strength to strength

By Aileen MacLennan

Argyll and Bute Council’s Early Years Team have continued to take part in a range of professional learning and development opportunities throughout lockdown as part of the roll out of 1140 hours Early Learning and Childcare (ELC).

Teachers and education staff have undertaken a wide range of hugely popular online training courses, including health and wellbeing coaching led by psychologist Sarah Philp. They have also been working closely with partner providers and childminders, offering support and advice.

Foundation apprenticeships and student placements have been made available in a number of ELC settings, and a recruitment process is currently underway for four additional Modern Apprentices, with a focus on Gaelic Medium.

The Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, right, said: “Our 1140 hours ELC plans are progressing well and staff have been working tremendously hard to make this happen.

“The last 12 months have, without a doubt, been an unprecedented challenge but our dedicated teams have continued to develop their skills to ensure our young people get the best possible start.

“These are exciting times for everyone involved in early years, from our own ELC teams to our childminders and partner providers and, moving forward, we will continue to put remote learning at the forefront of staff development.”