Naiscoil Na Mbeann
Award - £8775.80
Council area – Newry Mourne and Down
Naíscoil na mBeann is the only provider of Irish medium pre and pre-preschool education in the Lower Mourne area, this is a rural community with pockets of high deprivation. Pathway funding has supported development and upskilling of a staff member to City and Guilds Level 5 and the project has provided significant and successful support to families in early identification and intervention for children with additional needs.
The setting has shared that the continued study of the Deputy Leader towards her Level 5 Childcare qualification, has contributed to their professional development, enhancing their leadership capacity as well as providing them with in-depth knowledge of suitable pedagogy and teaching approaches. The following is a testimony from the staff member regarding the impact of the Pathway Fund investment.
“I have embraced the new knowledge and skills I have gained over the last two years which include learning about the theories, models and practices that lead to positive outcomes. I enjoyed learning more about the theories and models which shape the practice that we use today in the setting.
Completing the course gave me the confidence and knowledge to lead staff meetings where we covered the issues of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we explored the models of disability.
I have developed my knowledge and understanding around recruitment, selection, induction, supervision and my appraisal of our processes has brought to light gaps in our supervision and appraisal processes. I look forward to being more involved in future recruitment of staff using the skills and knowledge I have acquired through the Pathway funded CPD.”Investment in staff development has enhanced the quality of the setting, improving outcomes for children which is demonstrated by positive parental feedback in relation to the improved social skills and language development of their children.
