Becky Scott Email and Phone Number

Overseeing the delivery and marketing of an extensive training programme available to the 17,500 early years and childcare practitioners working across Essex, at all levels, from unqualified practitioners to those with a master’s degree. This includes all aspects of managing the coordination and implementation of training events and the development of an e-learning package. My team and I have created more vibrant and varied training offer leading to increased engagement and income across the programme. In this varied role, I am responsible for managing training contracts and budgets.

Supporting early years and childcare employers and practitioners to raise aspirations by accessing relevant qualifications (level 2-6), addressing and removing barriers to learning, signposting to training providers and relevant funding opportunities. Working towards the previous government’s aspiration of a ‘graduate led’ workforce and encouraging individuals throughout their journey and beyond with continuous professional development opportunities. Designing and delivering courses and developing resources to engage practitioners formed a key part of this role. As a result of confusion about qualifications in the sector, I developed a ‘Career Development Workshop’ and resources to inform employers and managers to support and inspire their staff to undertake training and qualifications. This included some basic careers theory (e.g. trait/factor, matching and occupational allocation) to illustrate the reasons why practitioners may have chosen this area of work. This was received positively and played a part in increasing employer engagement with the training and funding opportunities available.

Providing advice and guidance to 13-19 year olds in schools and in the community through one to one support and group work sessions to support engagement in employment, education and training. Including careers advice, CV writing, interview skills, college and university applications. Often this involved supporting young people with complex needs who had a variety of barriers preventing from successful engagement in learning. Helping them to address these barriers using a holistic approach. Encouraging them to take ownership for finding solutions and accessing support was fundamental. I was able to develop good professional relationships with young people, building trust and establishing boundaries, gaining the respect of the young people and colleagues in my team. This role included extensive work with employers, coordinating jobs fairs, school events, recruiting to vacancies and work placement visits.

Offering ‘out of hours’ support to homeless 16-25 year olds in a 47 bed supported housing project which incorporated training and personal development as a commitment for all residents. This ranged from providing one to one support, helping to develop life skills, arranging social activities and encouraging engagement. I was responsible for maintaining a safe and consistent environment for all residents, for example ‘chairing’ resident’s forums, ensuring they remained productive, mediating flat mate or relationship disputes. This required excellent interpersonal skills to calm these difficult situations.

Offering care and learning opportunities to children aged 3 months to 4 years.