The Beehive Kindergarten and the Beehive Babywing in Onchan have made history by becoming the first early years settings on the Isle of Man to attain the Prem Aware Award. This recognition, granted by the charity The Smallest Things, acknowledges the completion of specialized training aimed at equipping staff with the skills necessary to support children born prematurely.
The award follows the nursery team’s successful completion of PRISM training, which focuses on the unique developmental and learning challenges that some premature children may face. The training is designed to help educators identify specific needs earlier and provide timely, targeted support to enhance educational experiences.
Commitment to Excellence in Childcare
Orla Fox, deputy manager at The Beehive Kindergarten, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the program. She stated, “As a nursery setting, we always focus on the children in our care and their needs, and tailor our professional development training around this to ensure their time and experiences with us are the best possible.”
Fox further emphasized the personal significance of this initiative, citing her own experience as a parent of a premature baby. Her son, Luca, now attends the setting. She noted, “Thanks to the PRISM training that our amazing team have undertaken, they will have the knowledge and skills to enhance learning experiences in nursery—not just for Luca, but for all of the other children in our care too.”
The impact of this training is expected to resonate throughout the nursery, creating an environment better suited to the needs of all children, particularly those born prematurely.
Support from The Smallest Things
According to Catriona Ogilvy, founder and chair of The Smallest Things, the Beehive’s decision to pursue this training reflects a strong commitment to meeting the needs of pupils born prematurely. Ogilvy stated that trained staff play a crucial role in supporting these children and can significantly improve their long-term outcomes.
The Prem Aware scheme promotes the use of the PRISM team’s free online training resources, which provide insights into the impacts of premature birth on development and learning. This initiative not only enhances the skills of educators but also ensures that children receive the tailored support they need to thrive.
The Beehive Kindergarten and the Beehive Babywing’s achievement highlights the importance of specialized training in early childhood education. By prioritizing the needs of premature children, these institutions are setting a standard that could inspire similar initiatives across the region and beyond.
