‘‘Impossible targets and Impossible targets and realistic solutions’realistic solutions’

How LEYF has used partnership to How LEYF has used partnership to promote lifelong learning and promote lifelong learning and

make a better future for London make a better future for London children.children.

Mine Conkbayir, Senior Programme Manager Mine Conkbayir, Senior Programme Manager ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships

About us…• Established in 1903• 20 nurseries• Over 1177 children• Over 240 staff• Socially and economically inclusive• 95% staff at level 3 – ever-growing!

The power of social The power of social capital capital • Putnam (2000: 296) says that social capital is

second only to poverty in the breadth and depth of its affect on children’s lives. According to him

• “…Child development is powerfully shaped by social capital…trust, networks and norms of reciprocity within a child’s family, school, peer groups and larger community have wide ranging effects on the child’s opportunities and choices and, hence behaviour and development”.

Overview of ambitious provision at Overview of ambitious provision at LEYFLEYFWhat we offer In partnership withWork experience placements

Kids’ Company

Training for parents in the community

Sure Start Children’s Centres

NVQ (Level 2) in Child Care

A Moveable Feast

CCCLD Apprenticeship Programme (Level 3)

Social Enterprise London (SEL)

Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies

City and Islington College and London Metropolitan University

MPQ ICL (Masters’ level) London Metropolitan University

A local childcare service – across LondonStrong community roots, more able to reach the vulnerableLocal involvement through volunteeringFlexible, innovative and responsive to filling gapsHistory of multi-agency partnershipsTraining and qualifications – five year plan for growthLocal employmentIntergenerational programmes ‘Stitch n Bitch’, ‘Knit n Nag’, ‘Pimp my Ride’

LEYF’S Social Enterprise Offer:LEYF’S Social Enterprise Offer:

Partnership is the key to Partnership is the key to successsuccess

Partnership within and across professions

and organisations

Creation of local jobs and education, and improved quality services

for children and their families

Improved outcomes for children and their

parents in the community and wider society

Let’s go forwardLet’s go forward• Empower the community by encouraging

participation (as opposed to treating those most vulnerable as ‘the problem’)

• Generate action-research from within the nurseries, enabling practice-based theories to be the basis of good practice

• Continue to attend regional, national and international research conferences - European Early Childhood Education Research Association proved insightful

• Network! Build and nurture partnerships with ‘key players’ – it’s crucial to success for you, children and their families

LEYF’s ethos:LEYF’s ethos:LeadingEnterprises forYoungFutures

Working with City and Working with City and Islington CollegeIslington College• Partnership• Listened to what we

wanted• Discussed issues• Relationships• Open minded to other

ways of working • More support for

students

What we developedWhat we developed• 1 full study day release per week• 1 evening lecture• Regular updates with tutor team• Onsite library / Core texts supplied • Delivered in their workplace• Learning contracts for all students• Celebration of achievement at end of each

term• An organisation that’s proud of their

learningBecause everybody matters!

Our recipe for success

• Excellent attendance • Positive feedback from

students• Learning evident• Workplace mentors • Students are more confident• Over 20% of the workforce are

now studying towards a Degree• Transfer of learning to the

workplace – staff proud that they now use theory confidently to inform their practice

www.leyf.org.uk