Early Years Practitioners Inspired to Take the Next Step into Higher Education at UWTSD

Thirteen early years practitioners from across Neath Port Talbot have taken part in a professional development programme delivered by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council. Funded by Reaching Wider, a pan-Wales initiative that aims to raise educational aspirations and remove barriers to higher education, the project demonstrated how university can offer valuable learning opportunities for people at every stage of their careers.

The programme brought together Trainers, nursery managers and childcare workers to explore new approaches to learning, develop their skills and discover opportunities for further study.

Participants experienced UWTSD’s immersive room, exploring creative approaches to storytelling, and visited the university’s Forest School at Caswell Bay. Here, they discovered new strategies, activities and games to take back to their own settings to support the learning and development of children in their care.

The programme concluded with a graduation celebration, giving participants a taste of university life and an opportunity to recognise their achievements.

Several participants are now planning to enrol on courses at UWTSD in 2027, demonstrating the impact these opportunities can have in inspiring people to take their next steps into higher education.

Glenda Tinney, Lecturer at UWTSD, who delivered the sessions, said:

“What a wonderful few days we had working with early years professionals. The sessions provided a great opportunity to share ideas, learn from each other and explore how facilities such as the immersive room can support creative learning. I hope we can develop more experiences like this in the future.”

Donna Williams, Senior Widening Access Officer at UWTSD, who coordinated the programme in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council, added:

“University is not just for school leavers. It offers people at every stage of their careers the chance to build confidence, develop new skills and discover opportunities they may never have considered. Seeing three participants now planning to study with us in 2027 demonstrates the positive impact of this project, inspiring further study while equipping professionals with fresh ideas to take back into their workplaces.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476