Home /
Praise FE HE

Praise from FE and HE institutions

Excellent
I will be forwarding your details on to our undergraduate programmes as it [the online training session] was really engaging and full of practical ideas. The session was excellent. It was full of ideas, best practice and activities. Timings were spot on. Joanne Munyard, Academic Course Leader Early Years Initial Teacher Training, University of Gloucestershire

Allowed their confidence to grow
Our Level 3 Early Years [enrolled on the pre-recorded course] and found it allowed their confidence to grow whilst leading activities. They learnt not only to promote the children's imagination and creativity but saw how the activities nurtured friendships and co-operation. The students now know how important it is to be "silly" to support children's engagement. We look forward to introducing the training to our new students in Sept. Jo Yearly, EY tutor, Hereford and Ludlow College

Invaluable
I thought the content of the online training session was very suitable as the students tend to get creative and imaginative play confused. They also find it hard to observe, develop and review imaginative play in the workplace, and I feel this session enabled them to see how they could do those things using the methods covered. I feel they also need to be able to see how an adult-led imaginative activity needn’t be prescriptive if they become involved as a child would. The activity also illustrated how adult-led play could morph into child-initiated play. I feel that providing them with a resource to use in the workplace is invaluable. Thank you. Genevieve Stockbridge, Lecturer in Education and Early Years, Furness College

Left us wanting more!
Very effective method of introducing the concept of imaginary play. Excellent balance of delivery with supporting resources. Links closely with some module content within our degree programmes. You managed to pack quite a lot of information in one hour, but also left us wanting more! Students have e-mailed to let me know that the session was “Brilliant!” and I am sure that they will be able to incorporate the content into future assignments as well as their practice. Very eloquent delivery; most engaging. Opportunities for some interaction also welcome, especially as comments were not made public. This encouraged less confident students to respond and contribute. Alison Rees-Edwards, Senior Lecturer, University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Interactive and fun
Interactive and fun, but informative at the same time. The students really enjoyed this session and feel they can use the ideas when they go into placement. It was well linked to the early years curriculum so that the students could see the impact it would have within settings. Louise Roberts, Curriculum Manager Early Years, New College Durham

A transformative approach
'Wonderful course which has led to a reframing of how I would approach different areas of learning - this is a transformative approach!' Gillian Hoult, student, Early Years Initial Teacher Training Course

Gave me confidence
'I thought the lessons were amazing. I am only just starting my PGCE course and was quite nervous about going back into the classroom. The lessons not only gave me new techniques but also gave me confidence in using this more 'drama' based approach.' Demetra Tzamarias, PGCE In Early Childhood Education and Care 0-5

A self-esteem booster for sure!
'I have absolutely loved the course. My fear when becoming a teacher was that I wouldn't be confident enough to be big and silly and find ways to engage the children within their play and learning, so to have these games and ideas to support the children is amazing. The course is incredible, massively supportive and a self-esteem booster for sure! I would highly recommend for any new and aspiring teachers or any experienced teachers that want to connect with new ways to engage their children, brush up their skills and encourage the imagination of children.' Millie Tyerman, BA Early Childhood Studies, Northampton

Interactive
'Interactive and a good promotion to ongoing learning via [the Pyjama Drama Learning Academy on] Facebook.' Karen Watkins, Early Years Lecturer, Fareham College

Only positive feedback
'Only positive feedback from my group. They agreed it enabled them to feel confident about managing a group. Also that it was refreshing to see that no expensive resources are required to ignite children’s imagination, get them moving and involved.' Patricia Carroll, Early Years Lecturer, University of Cumbria

Great
'The session was great and was led by an enthusiastic and energetic trainer whose knowledge and experience supported the delivery of the session.' Elaine Gilroy, Lecturer Early Years Childcare and Education, Wigan and Leigh College

Interactive and fun
'Interactive and fun...and a good promotion to ongoing learning via Facebook. [The] strategies that where taught were good, I liked going over them and seeing them in different contexts to retain the information.' Claire Brown, Fareham College

Engaging and informative
"The session was engaging and informative to show strategies that work to engage children’s attention and ensure motivation in activities. The session was practically suitable for professionals working to support children in any capacity, enjoyed by all. Thank you. The session was enjoyable and all trainers did a great job of motivating the students to join in and share their ideas, which isn’t an easy task when online. All of the students have really enjoyed the sessions and the feedback we’ve had has been really positive. Students feel more confident in strategies that they could use when they are able to return to their practical placements. Students understood the strategies and could explain these to use within a setting to better engage children." Stephanie Moriarty, Early years Tutor, University College Birmingham

Engaging
"I think the was fun and engaging and you were very clear in how you presented the information. Although you couldn’t see or hear the students, you still got them involved by getting them to write in the chat box. It was good to break up the session with short video clips, which showed your ideas in practice." Lisa MacGregor, Early Years Tutor, Cumbria University