education

Double award win for University of Derby at Student Nursing Times Awards

The University of Derby has been recognised at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2022 – taking home accolades for ‘Best Student Experience’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs’.

Community Chesterfield, which is a partnership between the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action, won the ‘Best Student Experience’ award, which recognises universities and providers of nurse and/or midwife education that put an emphasis on the overall student experience.This focus ensures students are supported in a learning community that is nurturing of the whole person as well as being conducive to encouraging excellence in learning and sharing best practice.

Faith Vargas, Lecturer in Pre-qualifying Health Care at the University of Derby, said: “Working with Community Chesterfield over the last few years has been such a rewarding part of my role. I have made many new connections that have led to positive experiences for students and the Community Chesterfield team is always eager to collaborate.

“Ultimately, the partnership with Derbyshire Voluntary Action has enabled us to widen our students’ knowledge and exposure to the voluntary sector, it has increased their learning potential and provided them with a unique insight into the role that the community has within the health sector.

“Winning this award is recognition of all the hard work that has gone into this partnership, and it will send a positive message about the University of Derby to future students and other educational institutions. It feels incredible to be a part of this work and I am so proud of the team who have contributed to making this happen.”

Jennifer Raschbauer, Community Chesterfield project manager, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Best Student Experience’ award.

“Over the last three years we have created almost 4,000 meaningful connections between the University of Derby and local voluntary sector organisations, so it really recognises the hard work of everyone who has been involved in the Community Chesterfield project – colleagues in the voluntary sector and those at the University of Derby.”

The Student Nursing Times Awards brought together close to 500 talented student nurses, education providers and mentors at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The University of Derby was shortlisted in multiple categories, taking home two of the top prizes on the night. The ‘Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs’ category was won by Derby’s Kayty Richards, who is a first-year BSc (Hons) Midwifery student and president of the University’s Midwifery Society ‘Midwifery Rocks’.

Community Chesterfield and University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Adult Education Courses available in Derbyshire this summer

Bookings are now open for hundreds of daytime and evening courses and activities on offer providing opportunities for people to study for new qualifications or explore new hobbies and interests.

The summer term of activities hosted by Derbyshire County Council starts on Monday 25 April and residents can view the courses online or pick a brochure up from their local Adult Community Education Centre or Library.

Residents can book onto a course by calling, emailing, or visiting the centre where their chosen course is being held. Find an adult education centre

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “We have a range of online and face-to-face courses on offer this summer for residents wanting to learn at all levels.

“We are keen to offer adults the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications, so if adult education is something you’ve been considering, we’d encourage you to take the step and see what we have available.

“Our team is here to offer support and guidance to help you choose the right course or to help you onto a new career path so why not get in touch and see where a new course could take you?”

Courses include:

  • maths and English from entry level to GCSE
  • counselling skills
  • lip reading and signed communication
  • working with children
  • personal development such as dealing with stress and how to gain confidence
  • languages
  • digital skills such as using a computer for work.

There are also courses available for residents who are looking to explore new hobbies and interests.

Courses include:

  • pottery
  • sewing
  • tap dancing
  • recycling crafts
  • floristry and many more.

To find out more about upcoming local events and activities taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, head over to our events page at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Kids Planet surpasses 100 nursery milestone

With nurseries across the UK, family-owned, award-winning group Kids Planet has reached a milestone of surpassing 100 settings, having acquired Twinkles Nurseries group of six nurseries in North and West Yorkshire.

The company runs several nurseries across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, with sites in Chesterfield Town Centre, North Wingfield, Sheepbridge, Brampton and Newbold.

CEO Clare Roberts first set up Kids Planet when she was struggling to find childcare in her local area with flexible hours. Working with her father John, and sister Lucy, Kids Planet has grown exponentially since opening, but still remains a family-orientated business.

Since opening in 2008, the group has expanded rapidly, with the current 103 active nurseries responsible for the care of over 11,500 children. Kids Planet even opened a dedicated Training Academy in 2018 for both internal and external employees, and has shown no signs of slowing down, even amidst the pandemic.

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, said: “This is a really impressive milestone when you think of where the company started almost 14 years ago. It is a true testament to the adaptability and dedication of our wonderful colleagues who have grown and developed alongside the business.

“I am delighted that the core values of Kids Planet have remained consistent and engrained in our daily work and it is truly a privilege to work with colleagues who share the same vision. I am so proud to reach such an incredible milestone of over 100 nurseries in the Kids Planet family.

“Well done to everyone that has been on the journey with us and I look forward to the exciting future we have ahead as a company and more importantly, as a team.”

Kids Planet supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield businesses encouraged to sign up to low carbon courses

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to sign up to a range of low carbon courses, which will enable organisations to prepare for the upcoming challenge of meeting sustainability targets.

The free, fully-funded programmes are being delivered locally in partnership between training firm Essential Site Skills and the Serco Skills Support for the Workforce scheme.

The courses are tailored and specialised for a range of sectors, including health and care, construction, logistics and office-based organisations. Participants will gain a level two NVQ award in understanding carbon awareness and energy management.

  • The healthcare-based course will focus on dealing with routine and non-routine waste along with the the principles of decontamination, cleaning and waste management in healthcare settings.
  • In construction, course leaders will guide participants though removing non-hazardous waste in the workplace and confirming the occupational method of work in the workplace.
  • Meanwhile logistics businesses will be able to learn about sorting goods and materials for recycling or disposal in logistics operations.
  • Businesses based in an office environment will also gain a level two certificate in understanding climate change and environmental awareness.

Catherine Storer, Executive Director at Essential Site Skills said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside the Serco Skills Support for the Workforce programme to roll out these low carbon courses to businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

“More and more businesses are realising the importance of sustainability and environment awareness. Prepare your workforce to meet carbon emission targets with our fully funded Carbon Awareness NVQs.”

For further information, or to sign up for the carbon awareness courses, contact Serco’s Partnership Coordinator, Howard Cordingley at howard.cordingley@serco.com or call 07738894879

To find out more about the range of business support on offer here in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Essential Site Skills supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Workpays set to host ‘The Big Assembly’ during National Apprenticeship Week

Workpays’ annual event ‘The Big Assembly’ is set to return again this year, with the broadcast set to inform thousands of young people about the benefits of apprenticeships.

Last year the event was watched live and on-demand by over 60,000 people, with schools, parents, students and employers receiving information and advice about possible next steps in their careers.

This time around, The Big Assembly is teaming up with Pret A Manger, Bakkavor, Disability Rights UK, the Co-operative Bank & Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

It is produced by Chesterfield-based Workpays in partnership with GetMyFirstJob, ASK & Amazing Apprenticeships.

Alex Glasner, MD at Workpays, said: “The aim of the Big Assembly is simple: inspire the next generation of apprentices. For many school leavers, the broadcast is a starting point to discover what their next steps are after graduation – whether it be employment or further education. The Big Assembly is the jewel in the crown of National Apprenticeship Week!

“With more and more people tuning in each year, we wanted to make the 2022 Big Assembly the BIGGEST one yet, so we’re broadcasting it live from an employer – something that we’ve never done before! ”

The 2022 Big Assembly broadcast is being hosted at Pret A Manger and will be available to watch at bigassembly.org from the 8 February 2022.

It will feature a panel made up of employers, current apprentices, former apprentices, and a representative from the Disabled Apprentice Network.

David Carter, UK People Director of Pret said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting The Big Assembly broadcast this year as we partner with Workpays to hire and inspire the next generation of apprentices.

The Big Assembly is an amazing way to reach thousands and we’re excited to have representation on the panel sharing our apprentices’ success stories and showcasing what ‘a day in the life of an apprentice’ is really like. We can’t wait to help build the future and hope we help those wanting to become an apprentice.”

As well as Q&As and myth busting, there will also be segments showcasing the apprenticeship programmes at Pret, Bakkavor, Disability Rights UK, the Co-operative Bank & Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Workpays supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield FC Community Trust agrees partnership to enhance education offer

A partnership has been agreed between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and TEAM Education Trust to greatly enhance the Community Trust’s alternative provision offering.

Led by Matt Morris, who is the education & inclusion manager at TEAM Education Trust, the two organisations will develop a pathway to Ofsted accreditation, with the aim of achieving that within two years.

Commenting on the link-up, Morris said: “There’s a real magic here at Chesterfield Football Club. They’re offering something special and that’s why we at TEAM Education Trust really want to be involved.”

Sarah Baker, the CEO of TEAM Education Trust, added: “This is an exciting partnership which will offer lots of opportunities for our students and staff. It will also support those coming to the club from other schools from across Derbyshire and the young people who are working within Chesterfield FC Community Trust as part of their alternative provision.

“For us, it’s about quality, inclusive education. Between us both, we’re going to be supporting some amazing learning for young people and developing activities designed to motivate and inspire our students.

“We’ll be working with the Community Trust to help them to ensure their provision is of an excellent standard and to secure better outcomes for the young people across this area.”

Martin Thacker, director and trustee of the Community Trust, believes it is a fantastic opportunity for the organisation to move forward with its alternative provision.

He said: “Over a period of time, we’ve done some excellent work with young people who aren’t in schools, for whatever reason.

“This club has become their oasis – a place for them to come to and feel secure and safe and enjoy what they’re doing while they’re not in school.

“This development will mean that there’s an increase in the quality of water in that oasis. It’s so exciting and we’re really glad to be doing this.”

Chesterfield FC Community Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chatsworth is growing children’s confidence with new gardening club

Chatsworth is launching its first children’s gardening club to allow young budding growers to nurture their very own growing patch throughout the seasons.

The Little Pips Gardening Club for children aged 3-5 will be filled with hands-on sessions growing fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as lots of creative activities to give nature a helping hand from making butterfly feeding stations and a wormery to planting bee-friendly plants.

The fortnightly club launches 7 March with a sunflower planting session with other seasonal activities lined up for the months ahead to include making a pea propagator in April; going on a bumblebee safari in May and harvesting pumpkins planted earlier in the year in October.

The sessions will take place in the outdoor learning centre, Chatsworth’s Stickyard, where the children will be growing their own produce in specially created raised beds for vegetables, fruit and flowers, and having a go at watering, weeding and making sure all the plants are happy.

Tina Carter, Landscape Engagement Facilitator for Chatsworth, said: “As well as the benefits of being outdoors for children’s wellbeing, teaching children to grow their own produce is a fantastic way to build confidence, have fun and introduce them to new fruits and vegetables.

“We are hoping children will come regularly enough to see all their work develop as the seasons change; there is nothing more rewarding than planting a tiny seed and then watching it transform into a huge pumpkin in the autumn.  The club will give our budding gardeners the chance to enjoy being outdoors, make friends and learn new skills while having fun.”

Chatsworth will also be encouraging families to get outdoors this half term with the opening of the farmyard from 19-27  February. Little ones can get face to face with the farmyard animals, enjoy animal handling sessions, take part in creative crafts and explore the winter woods in tractor and trailer rides at no additional cost.

Visitors can also cosy up by a fire with Chatsworth’s first-ever fire pit bake-offs taking place 22-23 February. Bakers can have a go at making tasty campfire bread and orange chocolate brownies over a fire-pit, before finishing with toasting marshmallows and a warming cup of hot chocolate.

With plenty of suitable trails for all ages and abilities, family members of all ages can take advantage of the free parking throughout the winter season and explore Chatsworth’s variety of parkland and woodland walks.

To complete the perfect winter family day out, a selection of Chatsworth’s cafes, restaurants and retail shops, including the estate farm shop, remain open all year round.

For more information please visit the Chatsworth website. Chatsworth House and Garden will reopen to visitors on 26 March 2022.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

£1m funding boost to expand the work of the D2N2 Skills Access Hub

An additional £1m in funding has been secured to expand a project aimed at helping businesses and employees access skills and training across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The D2N2 Skills Access Hub was set up in April 2020 to provide tailored solutions and flexible delivery to meet the skills and apprenticeship priorities of employers and employees across Derby Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The Hub was created with an award of £4.8m from the European Social Fund has been supporting 888 small and medium-sized businesses to access skills provision and 2,220 individuals to improve their own skills attainment.

By agreeing the extra £926,633 of funding, Nottingham City Council can increase the number of businesses supported to 1,060 and the number of individuals supported to 2,650.

Half the funding will come from the European Social Fund and half will come from Skills Access Hub delivery partners including the University of Nottingham, West Nottinghamshire College, Futures, Direct Help and Advice, and Nottingham College.

Around half the project participants are expected to be based in Nottingham with the rest in Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire.

Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive at D2N2 LEP said: “It’s great to see this additional funding for the Skills Access Hub programme, which will allow even more businesses and individuals in the D2N2 area to achieve the skills needed for our region’s economic growth.”

Nottingham City Council Portfolio Holder for Skills, Growth and Economic Development, Councillor Rebecca Langton, said: “We were pleased to accept this funding so the project can be widened to include even more businesses and workers so that they can thrive and achieve their potential.”

To find out more about a number of business support initiatives available here in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Pupils visit Superior Wellness as part of Made in Chesterfield tours

A group of eight students and two teachers from Springwell Community College visited the Chesterfield-based Superior Wellness headquarters as part of the Made in Chesterfield project.

Made in Chesterfield is a celebration of the manufacturing, engineering, science and technology industries and careers in the town. The campaign looks to inspire the next generation to the industry, with businesses, schools and training providers coming together to showcase the sector.

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership and delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and with support from Chesterfield Borough Council, North Derbyshire Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and Natwest.

As part of the project, Superior Wellness offered the students a tour of the office and warehouse space, with a brief introduction from each department. A representative from each department, including those studying for an apprenticeship, explained their role and the projects they work on.

While visiting Superior Wellness, the students were offered the opportunity to look at one of the many hot tubs Superior Wellness distribute globally and ask any questions regarding the products and the business.

Carol Claydon, Head of HR at Superior Wellness, said: “The tour organised by Made in Chesterfield was a fantastic opportunity for our business. Our team members thoroughly enjoyed explaining more about the business, their roles and their work experience to the students. It was brilliant to see how inspired the students were and I think it opened their eyes to the various career opportunities available within the local area.

“The campaign is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation and hopefully showcase the different sectors and opportunities available within the local town of Chesterfield.”

More than 170 pupils from seven different schools across the Chesterfield have been benefitting from tours at several businesses across the town, including Aztec Oils, Woodhead Construction, Vistry Partnerships, CBE+, Penny Hydraulics, Superior Wellness, Morgan Sindall, Weightron Bilanciai and MSE Hiller.

Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Made in ChesterfieldTagged in , , , , , ,

Grants on offer to help young musicians in Chesterfield

Young people, schools or other organisations in Chesterfield can now apply for grants to help them develop their music making.

Thanks to a bequest from a local resident, Derbyshire County Council is offering individual grants of £500 for those aged 5 to 18, and grants of £2,000 for schools and other organisations for those living in Chesterfield.

The money can help to support any kind of music maker either to buy equipment or pay for lessons or other support required. It can help pay for support which will nurture a young person’s musical talent, or can fund music-related trips or visits.

The County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “This generous bequest from a local resident means that we can offer grants to help our young people continue to make the sort of music they love.

“It also means that schools and other organisations can apply for funding to help them further develop their student’s music education, and maybe pay for visits that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to go on.

“I’d urge schools and families in the Chesterfield area to look really carefully at this grant scheme and to apply if they think they are eligible.”

  • Applications are welcome from or on behalf of anyone aged 5 to 18, or by schools or other providers of music activities to fund projects to further develop young musicians.
  • Applicants must reside or go to school in the Chesterfield area or live in Derbyshire and the organisation they attend must provide regular activities to young people in Chesterfield
  • Organisations or shcools must provide regular activities to young musicians in the Chesterfield area.
  • If you are unsure about whether this applies to you, please contact music.partnership@derbyshire.gov.uk
  • Feedback | Successful applicants will be required to complete a feedback from regarding the outcomes and impact of the grant.

For more information on the funding, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

New music studios at Chesterfield College provide industry standard facilities

New studios at Chesterfield College are giving music production students and local musicians a professional space to practice and record, using industry standard equipment.

The studios are the latest addition to the college’s new music department. They are designed to allow students the opportunity to develop the technical and creative skills they need for their future careers. At the same time, they will also provide a useful resource for musicians in Chesterfield to use as a collaborative recording space in the evenings and at weekends.

The new facilities provide a perfect mix of practical and academic spaces for a combination of classroom based learning and hands on experience at music making and recording. They are made up of three elements. These include a traditional classroom space with a suite of macs for learning and editing, a control room including a mixing desk and analogue equipment, and a ‘live room’ which has been designed for traditional collaborative music making. The live room has features which are designed to reflect acoustics and help musicians perform better together.

After spending the first week of term using the new facilities, level 3 music students Josh Clark and Connor Cartledge told us about the difference it had made to them.

Josh who is a rapper, singer and songwriter, with an interest in production said: “I am very happy that I have the opportunity to come in to use an actual studio and work with my peers. The course gives us the chance to learn lots of different skills and practice on different equipment that I don’t have at home. I am excited to know how I can use it next. I am hoping to record my own EP using the facilities we have here. I am really looking forward to that.”

Connor, who wants to be a producer or sound engineer said: “It has made a massive difference now we have this equipment. When we leave college to pursue a career in music, whether as a producer or as a musician we will have the knowledge we need.  We have top of the range microphones and a full studio which will mean any assignments and projects we work on will sound a lot better. Last year we had to record on whatever we had because we couldn’t be in college, so it is going to make a lot of difference. We have got a lot to learn about how to run and work the studio, but it is good to have it ready for the start of the new college year.”

Music tutor and musician, Jonathon Salisbury said: “Having the music studio gives us a professional environment the students can walk into and use. You don’t necessarily need that level of equipment to make good music but if you learn how to use this kind of facility you can always scale back to whatever you need. It is fundamental for students to understand how a professional studio works and get used to that kind of environment. It will help them build up an amazing portfolio of recordings which will launch them onto whatever they choose to do after college.”

“The studio is designed with analogue equipment so it works best for traditional collaborative music making. You can put a whole band in one space. There is real magic that happens when you get musicians together in one room. All the old great bands worked that way. The students who have used it so far have been amazed that they are in this professional space making music with other people again. They are definitely inspired by the quality of what they can produce in the new facilities.”

One local band has already used the space to record parts of their album and the college plans to hire out the new music studios to more local bands and musicians. They are particularly keen to offer the space to those just starting out who are looking for a resource like this on their doorstep.

To find out more about hiring the music studios contact hello@weststudios.co.uk.

To find out more about studying music at Chesterfield College visit https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/music/

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

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