Students help give Torfaen children the best start in life through exciting Flying Start partnership
A new partnership between Torfaen Early Years and Coleg Gwent is opening the door for students to gain hands-on childcare experience while helping children and families enjoy playful, welcoming and supportive learning opportunities across the community.
A partnership with real community impact
The placement programme was launched last September by Claire Fish, Flying Start Childcare Engagement Officer and student and volunteer coordinator lead. Working with Coleg Gwent, the programme now supports six students from Torfaen Learning Zone who are studying Level 2 and Level 3 health and social care qualifications and are continuing to volunteer throughout the summer.
Learning through play
Students are working alongside Flying Start Childcare Engagement Officers to prepare activities, support children during sessions and help create warm, inclusive spaces where families feel valued. Along the way, they are developing vital skills in communication, organisation, creativity and problem-solving as part of an experienced and supportive team.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Torfaen Early Years staff, observing and updating my knowledge about families living in Torfaen."
Hands-on experience across Torfaen
Students are gaining experience across Torfaen’s Early Years and Flying Start services, including at Flying Start Integrated Children’s Centres. They have shadowed and supported weekly pop-in-and-play sessions, forest school sessions, parenting and Early Language Support programmes, as well as crèche provision. This summer, they have also supported the team’sSwap Don’t Shop recycling scheme, which enables families to donate baby and children’s clothing and exchange items for other donations received.
One student, 17-year-old Evie Archer, is currently on placement with the team and plans to continue as a volunteer. She has particularly enjoyed supporting Flying Start Engagement Officers at weekly pop-in-and-play sessions and has also helped at the Llanyrafon Forest School sessions on Tuesday mornings, where she has been a valued part of the support available to children and families.
Evie said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Torfaen Early Years staff, observing and updating my knowledge about families living in Torfaen. I have really enjoyed supporting the forest school sessions and watching the toddlers learn outdoors, as well as helping to set up for the session. I know all this experience will help me with my future career of being a paediatric nurse.”
Building confidence, skills and brighter futures
The Early Years student and volunteer programme is designed to support children’s learning and development through play,while strengthening support for families in the local community. For students and volunteers, it offers a rewarding chance to build confidence, gain practical experience and develop transferable skills that can support future education or employment opportunities.
Making a difference every day
Working alongside experienced Early Years practitioners, students and volunteers help to:
Plan and set up engaging play activities.
Support children’s learning, confidence and development through play.
Create safe, welcoming and supportive environments for families.
Contribute to sessions that reflect the needs of the local community.
Use empathy, creativity and organisation to help families have positive experiences.
By bringing together education, early years expertise and community support, the programme is helping children and families thrive while giving the next generation of childcare professionals valuable experience where it matters most.
