‘Impossible targets and realistic solutions’

1. ‘Impossible targets and realistic solutions’ How LEYF has used partnership to promote lifelong learning and make a better future for London children. Mine Conkbayir, Senior Programme Manager Apprenticeships

2. About us… Established in 1903 20 nurseries Over 1177 children Over 240 staff Socially and economically inclusive 95% staff at level 3 – ever-growing!

3. The power of social capital Putnam (2000: 296) says that social capital is second only to poverty in the breadth and depth of its affect on children’s lives. According to him “…Child development is powerfully shaped by social capital…trust, networks and norms of reciprocity within a child’s family, school, peer groups and larger community have wide ranging effects on the child’s opportunities and choices and, hence behaviour and development”.

4. Overview of ambitious provision at LEYF

5. LEYF’S Social Enterprise Offer: A local childcare service – across London Strong community roots, more able to reach the vulnerable Local involvement through volunteering Flexible, innovative and responsive to filling gaps History of multi-agency partnerships Training and qualifications – five year plan for growth Local employment Intergenerational programmes ‘Stitch n Bitch’, ‘Knit n Nag’, ‘Pimp my Ride’

6. Partnership is the key to success

7. Let’s go forward Empower the community by encouraging participation (as opposed to treating those most vulnerable as ‘the problem’) Generate action-research from within the nurseries, enabling practice-based theories to be the basis of good practice Continue to attend regional, national and international research conferences - European Early Childhood Education ResearchAssociation proved insightful Network! Build and nurture partnerships with ‘key players’ – it’s crucial to success for you, children and their families

8. LEYF’s ethos: Leading Enterprises for Young Futures

9. Working with City and Islington College • Partnership • Listened to what we wanted • Discussed issues • Relationships • Open minded to other ways of working • More support for students

10. What we developed • 1 full study day release per week • 1 evening lecture • Regular updates with tutor team • Onsite library / Core texts supplied • Delivered in their workplace • Learning contracts for all students • Celebration of achievement at end of each term • An organisation that’s proud of their learning Because everybody matters!

11. Our recipe for success • Excellent attendance • Positive feedback from students • Learning evident • Workplace mentors • Students are more confident • Over 20% of the workforce are now studying towards a Degree • Transfer of learning to the workplace – staff proud that they now use theory confidently to inform their practice

12. www.leyf.org.uk