The Professional Development Centre co-ordinates and manages staff development and training. The Centre is managed by two full time staff who are also qualified NVQ Assessors/Internal verifiers and who are assisted by a part time administrator.
A comprehensive programme of professional development is available. This is delivered through a range of training programmes to meet the needs of the staff and increasingly those from the wider community.
The aim of the centre is to build upon the existing expertise of the staff by providing on-going training and support. The centre allows staff to develop their own professional potential as fully as possible by obtaining recognised qualifications.
Existing staff are able to refine and develop their care and teaching skills by completing their NVQ3 in Social Care (care staff) or NVQ3 teaching Assistants award (education staff). All new staff receive a comprehensive 11 day induction delivered by qualified senior staff. This includes training in the management of challenging behaviour, health and safety, manual handling, child protection/ POVA, Deaf and disability awareness, communication, PECS (picture exchange communication systems).
The department has existing links with the Joint Training Programme via Manchester University which provides access to higher education awards.
For informal advice or to enquire about training contact the Training Managers