<p>Today members of local council, ESFA, ETF, schools and nurseries, all joined Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College and the Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Councillor James Clayton, who together, officially opened the new Education and Early Years facilities at Weston College.</p>

<p>This new hub will meet the growing demand from employers both locally and regionally to train staff of the future, preparing them ready to join a growing industry.</p>

<p>The Education and Early Years facilities have been developed in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> employers: Busy Buddies, Little Bears, DaisyChain, Mendip Green, YMCA and Storal Learning, who ensure not only that the course content includes insights of industry leaders, but also that the new facilities will be industry standard to give them real-life experience.</p>

<p>The grand opening included a tour of the brand new £600k Education and Early Years hub that includes:</p>

<ul>
<li>Community Room – to allow us to host stay and play and other community sessions.</li>
<li>Child and Healthcare Room – a multi-functional space for food prep and mid-session naps.</li>
<li>Primary School Room – an engaging environment full of multi-curricular activities.</li>
<li>Creative and Exploratory Atelier – a non-traditional learning environment to host messy-play, science activities and more.</li>
<li>Observation room – includes one-way mirrors so learners do not influence a child’s play.</li>
</ul>

<p>Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty said: “The new hub is really impressive, I’m so pleased it’s come to fruition. It’s really important for us that all learners get real-life experience to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market.”</p>

<p>These new facilities are matched with an exciting portfolio of study programmes. For school leavers there will be full-time college-based courses, apprenticeships plus the new flagship T Level – the gold-standard in qualifications where learners can follow a college-based programme and gain sector experience through an industry placement. Plus, a range of options for adults for those who would like to upskill or re-train as an early years practitioner or teaching assistant.</p>

<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive, Weston College added: “It was a privilege to officially open the new facilities today. This is just one element of a College-wide initiative to ensure we are making aspirational careers a reality for all our learners regardless of their starting point in life.”</p>

<p>The build is co-funded by T Level Capital funding, awarded by the Department for Education.</p>

<p>Find out more</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… for school leavers starting in September</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… for adults starting in January</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events">Next open event</a></li>
</ul>

<p>In September we launched the Education and Early Years <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a>, which focuses on future employability and developing the skills needed to have a successful career.</p>

<p>In Education and Early Years there has been an increasing emphasis of Forest Schools within the curriculum. It offers a unique educational experience using the outdoor environment as a classroom, which can increase a child's confidence and self-esteem through exploration, problem solving, and being encouraged to learn how to assess and take appropriate risks depending on their environment ... This motivation can have a positive impact on their attitude to future learning.</p>

<p>As we aim to develop the skills our learners need to be successful in the industry, we are creating a Forest School area at the South West Skills Campus.</p>

<p>Projects such as help to immerse our learners in the local community and grow their understanding of the local landscape and the impact of social action. We love seeing our learners developing their understanding on how to teach younger generations about the great outdoors and how to protect it. With each campus committed to becoming Net Zero by 2030, Weston College is creating brighter and greener future for our community.</p>

<p>This week our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</a> students have been helping, whilst developing their knowledge around risk assessments; outdoor learning; activities with children and how the outdoor learning environment can promote positive attitudes and learning dispositions. It has been a great way of putting theory into practice and building teamwork.</p>

<p><strong>Millicent said:</strong> <em>"Working outdoors has really helped everyone work as a team"</em>,<strong> Bethany added:</strong> <em>"It's interesting to see how some people are the planners whilst others are more hands on. It's nice how we all have our strengths, get along and work together."</em></p>

<p>As part of the #LoveOurColleges Week, we are pleased to share some photos for you to see what is going on.</p>

<p>Find out more:</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds">Cour… for school leavers</a></li>
<li>What is a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</a>?</li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events">Next open event</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Kirsty Garrett, an apprentice at Westhaven School, won the title of Teaching Assistant Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards 2016.</p>

<p>Now in the sixth year, the awards recognise the exceptional achievements of employers and apprentices across a range of industries.</p>

<p>Kirsty was chosen as the teaching assistant category winner by a panel of judges and was presented with her award on stage by keynote speaker, Sally Gunnell.</p>

<p>The judges chose Kirsty as the winner as she has worked consistently hard throughout her apprenticeship. She is highly motivated and has been proactive in her own organisation and development, taking steps to plan ahead when she has found aspects of the learning challenging.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kirsty has developed in her role and is supporting a range of pupils with a variety of special needs. Kirsty has been instrumental in setting up and delivering an extra-curricular dance club at the school.</p>

<p>Her employer said: “Kirsty continually works to a very high standard in all aspects of the job. She supports a range of pupils with a variety of special needs and has a caring and professional approach with pupils, parents and staff.”</p>

<p>For more information on the Weston College Business Awards visit: <a href="http://www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards">www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards…;