The Academy, funded through Department for the Economy, gives participants a wide range of skills and knowledge relating to childcare, including topics such as child development, play, storytelling, special educational needs and the importance of inclusion, as well as training in basic food hygiene and paediatric first aid.
During their visit, students explored the outdoors and took part in a range of exciting forest school activities, including den building, bird watching and pond dipping. The visit also included fascinating talks from the centre’s staff about bird migration, the ecology of Lough Neagh, and the importance of protecting the natural environment.
SERC Deputy Head of School Karyn Eldon comments, "Experiences like this are invaluable for students preparing to enter the childcare industry. Understanding the wide range of educational facilities, outdoor learning opportunities and experiences available to children helps our future childcare professionals develop the knowledge, confidence and creativity needed to inspire the next generation.”
