The Rise Of Online Training – What Does It Mean For Early Years CPD?
A recent search on Google for ‘early years online training UK’ returned a staggering 32,900,000 results – the mind boggles! National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) says that it has seen the number of practitioners accessing its early years development zone increase by 745% in the last five years. As with most things in life, training […]
- by Julie Waite
A recent search on Google for ‘early years online training UK’ returned a staggering 32,900,000 results – the mind boggles!
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) says that it has seen the number of practitioners accessing its early years development zone increase by 745% in the last five years.
As with most things in life, training seems to be moving more and more online – the big question is, will online cpd become the de facto training method for nurseries in the future?
The topics covered by online training are vast, including everything from time management, to phonics, to child development and allergies. For every subject you can imagine, you can find a course, and if you can’t find one, then you can bet a training provider is working on it right now.
The benefits
All nurseries must manage the ever-worrying issues of keeping costs down, retaining good-quality staff and maintaining staffing ratios, and this is where online training can really help.
It is generally lower cost than face-to-face training and, according to Fiona Blackwell, head of operations at Kiddi Caru day nurseries, it “gives the flexibility to train around the needs of the nursery and often in staff’s own time, with time gained back in lieu”.
Online training also offers a more ‘ongoing’ way of learning, rather than a short burst of knowledge. Sarah-Jane Hepplestone, owner of Little Freddies Nursery School in Penistone, comments, “with face-to-face courses, it can be hard to process a full day of information and then think about how you put that into practice. We use online training to help embed learning as it is great for dipping in and out of, and coming back to when you need it.”
Indeed, many online courses are now interactive and enjoyable ways of learning that include podcasts, videos, quizzes, activity ideas, tasks and discussion forums. Offering a variety of learning methods helps ensure that the subject matter is digested by all types of learners at their own pace.
The downsides
With so many benefits to online training, you could easily wonder if face-to-face training’s days are numbered. Not so, says Sarah-Jane Hepplestone: “You can’t judge someone’s competency by looking at a checklist,” she says, and believes that critical and sensitive areas of learning, such as advanced safeguarding and first aid, should always be face-to-face.
Fiona Blackwell adds, that “[t]here is no guarantee that a person is actually completing a course themselves either – someone else could be doing it for them. Also, to get the most out of online training, candidates need to be self-motivated and organised.”
And let’s not forget the benefits of training as part of a group – open discussions, shared ideas and a support network of peers. There is also much to be gained from networking with other nursery professionals.
The balance
It seems that despite the obvious attractions of online training (cost, convenience, staff cover), face-to-face training will always play a crucial role in early years CPD. Catriona Nason, CEO of NEYTCO (National Early Years Trainers and Consultants Organisation), believes that online training shouldn’t be used in isolation, but as part of a wider, more balanced training programme.
She stresses that “online training should be meaningful and benefit the quality of the setting”. She advises nurseries to think about the big picture and ask themselves, “‘What do staff really need?’ ‘what are we concerned about?’ ‘where do we need to raise quality?’”
Coming back to the tyranny of choice in online training, settings should look for a reputable provider with a strong track record in the sector. Try a specialist membership association such as NDNA or visit NEYTCO’s online directory of training providers who have signed up to their code of conduct.
Julie Waite is a writer and marketing consultant working in the early years sector. Visit her website, jwaitemarketing.com, or follow her on twitter: @jwaitemarketing.
