The School continued to lead development on the 14-19 Diploma in Society, Health and Development, with input from local high schools, training providers and employers. The diploma will provide students with a personalised package of industry-specific training in their chosen area, with the option to progress to additional qualifications (including A-levels and degree-level education) upon graduation.

Following Blackpool Council’s decision to actively support the placement of College students within its Children Centres, our Early Years programmes continued to feature outstanding opportunities for on-the-job learning. An equally beneficial partnership developed with the Ormerod Trust (a St Annes-based charity for people with learning difficulties), where students trained towards the LDAF (Learning Disability Awards Framework), with some even going on to gain permanent employment there.

In higher education – which saw learner figures rise by 60% – validation was acquired for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, while re-validations were acquired for the Foundation Degrees in Early Years Professional Practice and Teaching and Learning Support (Primary).

Industry Links

Close industry involvement supported a number of curriculum innovations during the period. For FE, these included the new Children’s Resort Reps course (run in collaboration with the School of Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality), for which the Dalmeny Hotel provided placements and assistance with assessment and planning.

Our bespoke employer provision continued to attract high levels of learners, riding on the success of two employer-targeted events designed specifically to re-launch our NVQs and specialist training in first aid and moving and handling. Clients ranged from county and borough councils to nursing homes and the Scouts.