Zodiac Goes Back to School

Home  About Us  News  Zodiac Goes Back to School

If you think that it’s just pupils who go to school to learn, think again.

Five members of support staff at Saint John’s Primary School in South Benwell, Newcastle have just completed a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) with Zodiac Training.

Lisa Swan, Amanda Taylor, Michelle Hadfield, Tracy Waterston and
Katie Harden were all presented with their qualification certificates at an awards ceremony at St. John’s Primary School after they successfully completed an NVQ in Childcare Learning and Development.

The staff studied the qualification at the school, alongside their normal day to day activities, during visits from their Zodiac Training Advisor, David Smith.

The NVQ took staff around 10 months to complete and it has proven to be a worthwhile experience. David Smith said:

“The learning undertaken at St. John’s Primary School has had a really positive impact both in terms of improving the skills and competency of staff and in enhancing their personal development. The fact that Zodiac’s delivery methods allow qualifications to be delivered on-site has been extremely important – at no point did staff have to leave the school and take time away from the vital roles they play here at St. John’s.”

"I really enjoyed the course and I am looking forward to putting my knowledge into action." Katie Harden.

Amanda Taylor, Mid Day Supervisory Assistant at St. John’s, agreed, she said,
“I found the course really interesting and found out a lot of new information. The course has broadened my horizons for further training.”

Teaching Assistant Tracy Waterston added, “I really enjoyed course and I’d like to thank my Training Advisor David Smith so much for his excellent support throughout.”

David Smith says that throughout the qualification all staff have worked extremely hard whilst remaining focused on their daily routines, he said, “The staff worked really well and maintained a positive attitude throughout their learning journey. The fact that they took on this qualification alongside their current roles and responsibilities is a testament to their dedication to their job and their determination to continuously improve the services they provide the school.”

Susan Lishman , Parent Support Advisor at St. John’s, supervises the staff who have undertaken the Childcare Learning and Development qualification. She says that not only has it been a valuable experience for those who took the course, it has also inspired other staff to develop their own skills. She said:

“David has been an excellent tutor, very supportive to my staff and has kept in regular touch with me. The staff who have just completed the course have really enjoyed it and, because of that, further staff have enrolled to begin the qualification in September.”