June 2011
Welcome to this month’s training magazine. We are really pleased with the success of our recent open days and would like to welcome all the potential candidates into the settings for their taster days. Please can we all make them feel welcome and support them?
We would also like to thank Sarah Amos, Hannah Kennedy and Emma Headon for all their help during our open days in Exeter and Torquay.
Advice booklets
During our recent learner rep meeting we have come up with some ideas for some information booklets that have been designed by the learners to support you through different personal issue. We would really like some ideas and opinions, or even your own stories or advice to add to the booklet.
The first booklet is about Stress Management and tips on dealing with stress; the following booklets will be based around the topics of: managing money, keeping safe, confidence and self esteem and safe sex. If you have any ideas or would like to be on the ‘press gang’ for writing the booklets please let me know.
Lindsey Ayling – Learner Support Manager
lindseyayling@puffinofexeter.com
New Diploma feedback
This year the level 3’s have been our guinea pigs to the new QCF diploma. Most of you have said that you have enjoyed the taught sessions and said that it has been good to have different tutors and different topics. We really appreciate your feedback on the new qualifications and the way they are delivered so we can be constantly improving. Tracy and I have been impressed with the standard of your work in the settings, so well done to you all.
Feedback from you
As we prepare for the new learners, we would like to update the current handbook in order to give them relevant information. During our recent learner rep meeting we thought of some extra bits which could be added to the booklet to support them. These could be things that they may not have been told when they started or something which they haven’t understood. The committee have come up with some good ideas and if you have any suggestions as to what you may have liked to have known when you started then please let me know.
New learner reps
When the new learners have started and settled we will be asking for new learner reps. I will updating the learner rep folders in your setting where you will have feedback sheets, information on who to talk to, support for issues and information about being a learner rep. We would really like the learner reps to have a role in supporting all learners in their setting and be involved in promoting the information, advice and guidance we offer within the company.
Staying safe
A recent survey from Ila Dusk, who make personal safety alarms, reveals that more than 60 per cent of Brits are taking unnecessary risks with their personal safety when travelling alone at night.
After a night out and a few drinks we may think we are ok to walk home and not think of our vulnerability.
Here are some top tips from Crime Watch
1. When you're planning a night out with friends, set aside ten minutes to decide how you're all getting home and what you'll do if you get separated.
2. If you have to go in different directions, travel together to someone's house and order separate cabs to pick you up from there so no one has to wait on their own.
3. Make sure mobile phones are charged, have plenty of credit and are programmed with licensed cab firms' numbers.
4. Keep spare cash separate from your purse - a tenner in your bra could be a lifeline in an emergency.
5. Carry a personal security alarm such as the Ila Dusk, available at Marks & Spencer. A lot of women lose their voice when they're confronted by a criminal - the Dusk emits a female scream.
6. If you have to walk home in the dark, let someone know where you are going and stay near busy streets.
