The work of early years professionals in the county was the topic of a conference which marked the launch of a new University Centre at Heart of Worcestershire College.
The internationally renowned author, Ben Kingston-Hughes, who has written several early years books, delivered a keynote speech at the conference, which also featured talks by University of Worcester academics.
The conference took place after the formal launch of a new University Centre at Heart of Worcestershire College.
The centre will see the University and the College working more closely to provide a growing number of higher education opportunities for learners in the city, with staff from both organisations working together to provide students with an enriched curriculum and enhanced aspirations.
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “The purpose of this centre is to help nurture and support the invaluable work that HoW college does across Worcestershire, and to make it even more straightforward for its graduates to gain access to courses at the University.”
He added: “The establishment of this Centre is further proof of the shared commitment we all have to nurturing education and building skills across the region.”
Michelle Dowse, Principal and CEO of Heart of Worcestershire College, said: “The launch of the new University Centre is not only about creating more opportunities and improving pathways for our students, but it further strengthens our partnerships with the University of Worcester.”
She added: “Our role in Worcestershire as an anchor institution is something that is hugely important to us, and we have a shared vision that, by working together, we can offer a high-quality education which benefits both the students and the wider community, combining our own strengths of academic excellence with the broader opportunities which the university offers.”
The early years conference which followed the launch was fully booked and proved so popular a waiting list for places had to be created.
Michelle Malomo, Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester, delivered an address at the conference.
She said: “It was great to welcome the early years sector into our newly established University Centre at Heart of Worcestershire College, and to share with them the opportunities that there are to study here.”
She continued: “The conference celebrated the work early years practitioners do in Worcestershire, day in, day out. It brought together the community of practice in the area and was a wonderful networking opportunity.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]
For information on courses at Heart of Worcestershire College visit www.howcollege.ac.uk