There is a huge value in peer-to-peer support, and this collaborative way of working is something the early years and childcare service wish to support and encourage.

We have practitioners in Suffolk who have developed specialisms through in depth evidenced based learning and through extensive experience, some with qualifications resulting from this.

These include communication and language through the ELKLAN programme and through Makaton training, maths through training with Karen Wilding and SEND through the Level 3 SENCo in an Early Years setting award. We also have practitioners who have been engaging with the “Off to a Good Start” programme using the five to thrive materials. Some practitioners who undertook these learning programmes are continuing to network through communities of practice and finding these very supportive. We hope to develop more of these. In addition, our local knowledge tells us of practitioners who have been particularly successful in a specific aspect of early years practice, for example developing outdoor learning opportunities, and we also know where practitioners have had recent successful Ofsted inspections.

There will be many other examples of specialist knowledge which are not mentioned here.

Have a look at the Learning Wall – Suffolk Learning to keep up to date with some of the most recent activities in Suffolk that you may wish to find out more about.

How can I engage in peer-to-peer support?

We know how early years practitioners benefit from sharing experiences and good practice across the county and enjoy support from colleagues in practice. This can be through visiting each other’s settings or through telephone calls or virtual meetings.

If you feel you would like to be put in touch with another early years practitioner to visit them, or talk with them about a specific aspect of early years practice please let us know by asking your early years and childcare service, quality and access adviser/worker or alternatively by emailing: [email protected]

We will use our local knowledge to put you in touch with someone who may have the experience you are looking for.