Directors and Managers explain about our training and CPD in Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow Group was established locally over 30 years ago and they are the largest childcare provider in Northern Ireland- with over 1000 children cared for across 18 different locations. Many of these are based on site at a range of Primary Schools across NI, offering their services direct to schools and local families over breakfast clubs, Afterschools and also full daycare over school holidays and staff days.
Their learning style is based on an ethos they like to call ’Sleepy Hollow Inspired’, which takes great inspiration from the ‘Reggio Emilia’ approach to caring for children in their early years. This Italian philosophy see each child as a curious individual with the power and potential to develop and learn from their environment and the relationships they build with others. Children are encouraged to express themselves openly in lots of creative activities such as painting, sculpting, dramatic play, dancing, writing, construction, puppetry and are viewed as having unlimited potential to interact with and contribute to the world. This approach encourages self-expression, communication, team work thinking and problem-solving in the children and they truly thrive in this environment -you can feel it when you walk through the doors of any Sleepy Hollow setting!
Over the years we have worked closely with Sleepy Hollow on People 1st Apprenticeships programme and they have been a fantastic partner for People 1st as they understand the importance of well trained and qualified staff. During this time many of our apprentices who have been employed directly with Sleepy Hollow, are able to work, learn and earn while they study alongside to gain their level 2 or level 3 NVQ qualification. Playwork is for the over 5’s and childcare is for the under 5’s and you can do a NVQ in either area!
Through this programme Sleepy Hollow have been able to bring some eager new apprentices though their doors which they were able to train up in their ‘Sleepy Hollow Inspired’ approach to childcare and as their training partner, we at People 1st have been able to support each apprentice on their journey- we are delighted to hear how much it benefits the person and the business!!
So lets hear more about all of the above from Bronagh, one of the directors of Sleepy Hollow and Karen who is Manager of their Crumlin daycare setting.
Link to Video : https://fb.watch/de2BYobK9b/
