At Handkerchief we recognise the importance of people in the delivery of our philosophy on childcare. This can only be achieved through well-trained and motivated professionals. Accordingly, we attach great importance in the development of individual and team skills. We will seek to employ and retain the highest quality trained staff and therefore offer excellent working environment, where effort and commitment are rewarded. In addition, for those with the right temperament and aptitude for a career in childcare, Handkerchief will work with local educational institutions to provide full training opportunities towards accredited qualifications. Likewise, we acknowledge the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and arrange training through local providers. Training and development We believe in Training and Development at all levels. A focus at the nursery is to develop its staff and offer as many opportunities as are available. We believe, in this way, we ensure that the children for whom we care enjoy the best, most relevant and up to date education and stimulation and the most responsive level of care. We invest heavily in training each year. Trainee Nursery Practitioners We offer a trainee scheme which enables you to gain experience working with children from six weeks to five years in a nursery setting working within a team. As a trainee Nursery Practitioner you are encouraged to complete a National Qualification, firstly to level 2 and then level 3. You would then be recognised as a qualified practitioner and your contract would be reviewed. Funding is available in most cases to enable you to complete training.

Training Nursery Practitioners Nursery Practitioners will receive training in a wide range of subjects, for example; Health and Safety Safeguarding Children Paediatric First Aid Basic Food Hygiene Managing Children’s Behaviour Training is provided for staff working with particular age groups, for example Under 1's care and 3-5 year olds education. There is also specialist training available for those who become Equal Opportunities or Special Needs representatives. Management Training Schemes This programme includes: Leadership and Management skills Management NVQ Foundation Degree