Early Years Students gain valuable work experience in Italy

SERC Level 3 Children’s Care Learning & Development students recently visited Forli, Italy thanks to an Erasmus+ Further Education VET project.   

Students improved their technical and professional skills, having the opportunity to plan and carry out a programme to support children’s exercise and physical activity, gain an understanding of the Montessori and Reggio-Emilia approach and how it compares to the United Kingdom. Students also enhanced their knowledge of European childcare practices and increased their appreciation for Italian culture and language. 

Marjorie Crooke, Deputy Head of School said, “This exercise was a significant learning and personal development opportunity for the students. The unique challenges and indeed opportunities of being in an overseas environment brought out previously unseen individual skill sets in the student body as a group and as individuals both academically and professionally. They adapted to and overcame obstacles as they worked in a range of Early Years settings. They also engaged fully whilst taking advantage of the cultural opportunity of the venues such as Florence, Remini and Bologna.”   

The students said that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience opening their minds to the possibility to working and living abroad. Indeed, they also said that the impact on them would be far reaching having improved their observation, teamworking and communication skills whilst building confidence, independence and the ability to self-reflect.