Early Years Workforce and Development Team

The Birth to Five Service Workforce Development Team is responsible for the lead on workforce development in the Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) Early Years and Playwork sector.

The Workforce Development Team responsibilities include:

• Developing and  implementing the Early Years Workforce Strategy for Lincolnshire, in line with the outcomes of ‘Every Child Matters’ and the Children & Young People’s Plan, 2007 - 2010
• Working with training providers to deliver a training programme for practitioners who work in the Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI)) sector in Lincolnshire
• Designing, collating and distributing an annual training directory to every Early Years (including Playwork) Setting in Lincolnshire. This programme is needs related and linked to Local Authorities’ strategic goals and objectives.
• Assisting settings to become well-informed by encouraging them to take advantage of the range of workforce development opportunities offered
• Ensuring that high quality training is offered by monitoring course evaluations
• Administering the funding available to Practitioners for continued professional development
• Implementing the Graduate Leader Fund
• Active membership to the Training in Partnership Group (TIP) and Lincolnshire Children’s Safeguarding Board (LSCB) representing the PVI Sector.

The Workforce Development Team will give guidance on:

• Promoting the benefits of a graduate led & highly qualified workforce
• General training opportunities available to early years practitioners
• Pathways to progression - which qualification is right for you?
• Signposting candidates to accredited training providers 
• Settings annual training planning (matrix of needs)
• Funding opportunities for continued professional development
• The benefits of the Graduate Leader Fund.
  
  

Sue Otter Lead Early Years Consultant - Workforce The Workforce and Development Manager's role is to develop and manage a quality training strategy relating to all early years and childcare providers across Lincolnshire, in line with KEEP (Key Elements of Effective Practice) and the outcomes of Every Child Matters.  Ensuring the production of the annual Early Years Training Directory and managing the Graduate Leader Fund are just two of the key priorities.

Kay Probert  Early Years Consutlant Workforce The Training Officer's role is to provide support and information for settings on Training Opportunities and discuss funding available to both individuals and settings for Continual Professional Development. Kay enjoys the variety, challenges and rewards of bringing the Early Years workforce to provide a rich quality provision enabling all children to have the best possible start in life.

Jenny Boldrin Early Years Professional Network Co-ordinator Jenny joined the Birth to Five service in January 2010 having worked for five years with a small group of private day nurseries as an Early Years Co-ordinator, developing best practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Jenny became an EYP in December 2007 and through her role at the service, will support EYPs within Lincolnshire, to ensure they have the tools necessary to lead and deliver high quality practice for young children.

Denise Robinson Graduate Leader Fund Advisor The Graduate Leader Fund Advisor's role is to support the Workforce Development Manager with the delivery of the Graduate Leader Fund. This will be achieved by working closely with private, voluntary and independant sector with facilitating the recruitment and employment of graduates or those working towards EYPS in Early Years settings in Lincolnshire. Denise is committed to providing quality information and support relating to the Graduate Leader Fund and encouraging all settings to invest in training in order to provide the high quality services all children and families deserve.

Angela Hodges Senior Administrator  Angela has worked for Lincolnshire County Council for nineteen years, during that time she has experienced many different roles. She has worked along side Sue Otter doing administration for training for nine of these years. Angela supports the Workforce Development team at Birth to Five Service office with key responsibility for processing applications collating registers and dealing with general enquiries from practitioners within Lincolnshire.