European Social Fund in England

Forward Five childcare training project

Funded by: Alternative Bidding, Policy Field 2.3.

Region: Government Office East

Project Start Date: 01/01/2005

Project End Date: 31/12/2007

Details of the Project

The project aims to enable individuals living in the five most deprivated wards in Southend to access training.

The training will enable beneficiaries to prepare for work, evaluate if a career in childcare is for them and train to enter the workplace or to progress existing skills to achieve accreditation. Participants will have the opportunity to improve their skills in English and maths and gain crucial skills for work in the sector. Key partnerships are with PSLA and Southend Surestart. The project enables women to return to work or enter the workforce for the first time and removes key barriers by supporting childcare and travel costs as well as providing opportunities for part-time study in local venues. Courses take place during the daytime and at twilight.

We are also planning an innovative programme covering all OfSTED requirements as well as provision aimed at other career paths in childcare including fostering, childminding and play workers.

Key Achievements

To date we have enrolled 138 unique beneficiaries on courses. Of those, 31 have progressed to accredited courses and are currently on programme for NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. A new programme is also planned to help raise standards for children through supporting childcare workers in improving their skills and qualifications.

For more information contact

Donna Hallissey

Project Manager

Tel: 01704 445700/01704 445721