Author: Emma Wilde

The report by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and Estyn deemed Toybox Children’s Nursery, based at Coleg Cambria Deeside, to be Excellent in three categories – Wellbeing, Care and Development, and Leadership and Management.

The news comes after the much-loved facility was a finalist in the Setting of the Year category at last year’s Early Years Wales Awards, and having revamped its outdoor play area, which features safety surfaces, fencing, wooden furniture and equipment.

With more than 90 children and 35 staff on-site, Toybox is one of the most popular nurseries in north east Wales.

Manager Ann Johnson said: “We are obviously delighted with the outcome and as always will strive to raise the bar even higher in the years ahead.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our amazing team, and to all the parents and carers who support us, none of this would have been possible without you.”

She added: “The challenge now is to maintain and build on the positive feedback, and recommendations, which will ensure an even happier, safer and inspirational environment for the children.”

Inspectors also found Toybox to be ‘Good’ in three categories – Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and Environment – and the nursery has been invited by CIW and Estyn to prepare a case study on its work and commitment in forging close links and working in collaboration with parents and carers.

The report added: “Children of all ages communicate successfully in their own way and practitioners respond to them expertly. They have warm, close relationships with practitioners and receive a high level of support and comfort if needed, which helps them to feel safe and valued.

“Practitioners are kind, caring and supportive, and interact with children in a calm and gentle manner. They use positive behaviour management strategies, which are highly effective. This creates a positive, happy, calm and engaging atmosphere.

“Practitioners have a strong sense of purpose and understand their roles and responsibilities well. Leaders are extremely effective in their roles and have created an inclusive and welcoming environment, which ensures that children are nurtured and cared for well.

“The setting’s engagement with parents is outstanding. They hold regular play and stay sessions and parents are fully included in the organisation of the setting. Communication is excellent and, as a result, parents are well informed and feel included.”

For more information, visit Toybox Children’s Nursery website Toybox Nursery | Your Local Nursery (cambria.ac.uk) or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ToyboxNurseryDeeside.

Alternatively, call 01978 267159 or email toybox@cambria.ac.uk.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more from Coleg Cambria.

Gower College Swansea has held a special Welsh-themed welcome event for students.

Croeso Day 2024 saw staff and learners, who are fluent speakers, enjoy a range of activities designed to get everyone using their Welsh as they get to know one another.

Entertainment was provided by pioneering beat-boxer and live looping artist, Mr Phormula, while Doctor Cymraeg was also on hand to share the importance of using any Welsh at any opportunity.

In between spots of yoga, crazy golf and photo booth fun, there was delicious pizza (thanks to Dominos!) and a range of yummy DuffNut donuts.

“We had a fantastic day and it was so great to see everyone getting to know each other, using their Welsh and having fun together,” says the College’s Bilingual Manager, Helen Humphreys.

The College holds a variety of Welsh language/bilingual events throughout the year such as Saint Dwynwen’s Day, Welsh Week, and Welsh Language Music Day. It also celebrates other events such as International Women’s Day and Rainbow Week through the medium of Welsh.

The cutting-edge facility has been built at Coleg Cambria Deeside and is one of only a handful of further education gaming complexes in the country.

Lisa Radcliffe, Assistant Principal for Technical Studies, said state-of-the-art equipment and technology – including 36 YOYOTECH high-spec stations featuring the latest I7 Intel processors and RTX4070 graphics cards – secure Cambria’s position as a pioneer of Esports education in the UK.

“Our aim at Deeside was to create a gaming hub and centre of excellence for our current and prospective students,” said Lisa.

“Alongside this, the development will support the strategic aims of the college by widening access and becoming fully inclusive, helping to increase participation for learners that may feel disengaged or at risk of being NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).

“This will all enhance our course programme with leading external stakeholders, creating and contributing to our local community.”

The college’s own Esports squad – Cambria Chimeras – were victorious in the Apex Legends Spring Cup earlier this year, defeating opposition from across the country, including college and university teams.

Esports is a booming multi-billion-dollar sector, and learners have already received visits from talent scouts representing some of the world’s top gaming organisations and professional teams, such as Excel Esports.

Lecturer Lauren Crofts said there are exciting times ahead for the Esports programme.

“The Esports course has been hugely popular over the last few years and grant investment has seen the introduction of the two new gaming arenas, one of which will be a Sim Racing performance area.

“The other gives us more room to look at Shoutcast live media streaming, to develop other skills and game creation, utilising the space and introducing state-of-the-art technology, as well as taking Esports into local primary and secondary schools to explain the wide range of careers out there in this industry.”

Lisa added that the college’s partnership with YOYOTECH – a company at the forefront of the UK gaming revolution, installing and managing bespoke Esports arenas and selling high-end PCs – will only grow as the industry continues to boom.

A YOYOTECH spokesperson said: “After first meeting with Lisa her passion and drive to enhance the learners experience at college was infectious. Together we identified an opportunity to build upon and grow their existing Esports provision to accommodate their expanding course programme.”

The PCs at Deeside have been paired with MSI pro gaming peripherals to help learners compete at the top of their game, alongside AOC 27” 165Hz gaming monitors.

The space has been optimised with two separate desk designs, complete with LED edge lighting and PC locking shelves, with a divider which can split the facility into two to allow separate gaming competitions, lectures and workshops.

“It is an incredible set-up, one our existing students will love, and definitely a USP for those looking to join us in the years ahead,” said Lisa.

For more information on Esports at Coleg Cambria, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk.

Neil Marshall, whose credits include Hellboy, Game of Thrones, Westworld, and Dog Soldiers, paid a visit to the college’s Creative Media department for a Q&A with learners in Deeside.

A Best Director winner at the Saturn Awards and British Independent Awards for The Descent, he spoke about his career in the industry and provided the cohort with advice and guidance on how to pursue their dreams.

Cambria Lecturer Edward Evers-Swindell wrote and directed the movie Dark Signal, which Neil supported as Executive Producer.

He said it was an “inspirational and informative” session for the students and staff.

“Neil discussed his route into film and his personal journey as well as answering questions on a range of topics,” said Edward.

“What made this even more valuable for the students is that he is self-made, rather than knowing anyone in the industry he started from scratch with no more than a passion for films to sustain him.”

He added: “Neil’s journey has been long and hard, but hopefully gives inspiration to learners who didn’t know how to get started in the movie business.

“His talk was fascinating and went into detail about each of his projects and how they came about, while being incredibly honest about projects that were, in his own words, successes and failures, as well as the differences in working in film vs television.

“The students asked some brilliant questions that demonstrated a real interest in what they had listened to, and their feedback was really positive, so it was a fantastic event for all of us.”

Neil also recorded a podcast with Edward and the team, where he discussed the importance of engaging with academia and the next generation of talent, on and off camera.

“I think it’s vital, we never had anything like this when I studied film,” he said.

“Nobody came from the business to talk to us; it would have been an eye opener and refreshing and bolstered our enthusiasm.

“I like coming to these things and talking to students because I want to inspire people. That’s what we aim to do as filmmakers, inspire people.”

For the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk and follow them on social media.

A learner with ambitions of a career in mental health nursing, has praised the ‘vibrant atmosphere’ and lecturers at Stoke on Trent College for providing the tools to achieve future goals.

Alhagie Darboe, who attended school previously in Gambia, has undertaken the college’s Access to Higher Education (HE) course in Level 3 Health and Professional Studies, with the intention of progressing on to university and then a career in mental health nursing.

The 36-year-old chose to attend the college after hearing positive things about the adult learning courses on offer. Alhagie is now heading to the University of Derby after passing his Level 3 Health and Professional Studies.

Alhagie Darboe said: “The college is a vibrant community and the course content and practical training I’ve received match up with perfectly with my career goals. The knowledge I’ve gained here will stay with me for life. The experience has boosted my self-confidence and deepened my understanding of mental health.

“Stoke on Trent College is an excellent institution with a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The knowledgeable lecturers are exceptional, fostering a sense of constant learning for all.”

Lisa Capper, CEO & Principal at Stoke on Trent College said: “At Stoke on Trent College, we passionately believe in Lifelong Learning. Adults studying with us are often looking to upskill or reskill and change career paths or have decided to go back into learning at a later age.

“Alhagie’s commitment to a career within mental health nursing is inspiring and highlights the career paths and opportunities that can be achieved through our Access to HE courses.”

Access to HE diplomas at Stoke on Trent College are a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Levels) that are designed to prepare adults to study in higher education.

Find out more about Access to HE courses at Stoke on Trent College here – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/course-areas/access-to-higher-education/

ENDS

Notes to Editor

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 8000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk

GCSE re-sit students from Stoke on Trent College are taking the next steps in their career paths, after collecting their English and mathematics results.

Every year students who have not managed to achieve a high-grade pass (4 or above) in their English or mathematics at school are given a chance to re-take their exams, giving them sufficient grades to go onto further education courses, university, a higher apprenticeship or full-time employment.

Following the pandemic, this number has increased year-on-year, making these qualifications vital in shaping the career paths of students across Stoke-on-Trent.

Many young people and adult learners who have returned to college either full-time or part-time this academic year, have achieved grades that will give them the necessary tools to follow their chosen vocational path.

Adult learner Katy Jones, who achieved Grade 5’s in English and mathematics, is planning on a career in creative writing.

Katy Jones said:

“I didn’t expect it to be as difficult as it was, and there is a lot of work included in both courses but it’s really rewarding. It’s different being an adult learner than being a younger one, but the teaching staff here are amazing. You are engaged in everything, they help you when you struggle and they’ve really supported me and it’s shown in my grades.

“I want to go and do an access course in Humanities and then I’m going to University to my degree. I’m looking to take up a career in creative writing.”

Danielle Longmore, achieved a Grade 4 in Mathematics, is now looking to take on a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship and pursue a teaching career supporting autistic children.

“I did Grade 4 English last year, and now I’ve got my maths too.

“I want to be a Teaching Assistant and work with autistic children. My son is autistic, and is the reason I wanted to pursue this career, and give other autistic children the best experience.”

Retired Primary School Headteacher Rose Brookes, had previously achieved her GCSE in Mathematics at Stoke on Trent College, and has now achieved a Grade 6 in English, after wanting to update her qualifications which she first achieved in 1972.

Rose Brookes said:

“I taught in education for over 30 years, I wanted to do my English GCSE. I had previously got my 0 Level English in 1972, but I wanted to do it to channel my creative energy into something constructive.

“Stoke on Trent College for me, has been very therapeutic because I did Maths last year, had a life-long lack of confidence in Maths and re-took it. The resources online were fantastic, English was challenging, but in a more subjective way.

“I think I will do more qualifications after we get over our recent house move.”

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal at Stoke on Trent College said:

“I would like to congratulate all of our students who have achieved their desired GCSE grades today. Our students are engaging with their courses and showing a determination to get to the next stage of their career, whether that is continuing to study with us at a higher level, going to university, taking on a higher apprenticeship or going into the workplace.

“For those who haven’t got the grades they desired today; my first message would be to not panic and come and speak to one of our careers advisors, who will give you the right advice for your next steps.”

Enrolment for the 2024/25 academic year at Stoke on Trent College is now underway at both our Burslem and Cauldon campuses. More information on opening times can be found here – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/event/september-enrolment-2024/

Notes to Editor

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 8000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk