The education recruitment arm of Capita that supplies nursery nurses and teaching assistants to schools and the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN) recently saw 14 candidates graduate from its Continual Professional Development programme.

Capita Education Resourcing launched the programme in partnership with PANN with the aim of boosting nursery nurses' and teaching assistants' professional skills and learning.

The candidates, who are practising nursery nurses and teaching assistants from around the EastMidlands, all received final award certificates.

“Capita provides many supply nursery nurses and teaching assistants to schools and our candidates regularly tell us how important it is for them to keep their skills up-to-date. For us to continue providing the highest

quality recruitment service, it's vital we have professionals who have the latest skills. This is why this programme is so important,” said Debbie Allinson, managing director of Capita Education Resourcing.

The programme, which consists of eight three-hour seminars, is taught by Education Consultants and Training Associates, ECTA. All candidates undergo a written assessment at the end of each seminar. Topics, which are relevant to everyday practice in an early years setting, include 'Developing Literacy Skills in Early Years'; 'Positive Behaviour Management for the Under 5s' and 'Making Early Years Mathematics Exciting'.