For Partou, training and development are a priority as they enhance the quality of childcare and increase employees’ happiness at work.
The L&D department is committed to ensuring that all Partou employees can continue to grow and develop. "Last year, we harmonised the training programmes offered by Partou and Smallsteps and listed them in a convenient booklet for easy reference,” says Marieke Hochstenbach.
Structure of training programmes
In compiling the training programmes, Marieke's team worked closely with the Quality, Early Years Education & Innovation department. The Monitoring, Science & Advice colleagues were also involved. "They are mainly involved in developing the content of the early years education training programmes. We draw on their expertise, experience and studies to make certain choices. That’s how we developed the baby training, for example.” In addition, they keep a close eye on what is happening in the market and what is needed. "We respond to that by bringing in certain training courses and offering them internally.”
Lateral entrants
The pandemic also saw an increase in the influx of lateral entrants. Many people whoha ve lost their jobs want to switch to childcare. Partou offers relevant on-the-job training programmes and is happy to employ these brand-new early years teachers permanently after they complete their training. Marieke: "Internal training has many advantages; people are immediately 'Partou'. The great thing about this is that early years teachers who have done an on-the-job training usually want to continue their education. So, we’re the perfect place for you.”
Partou Academy
To make learning together easier and more fun, the Partou Academy was opened in Almere last year. The old head office of Smallsteps has been renovated and given a new, fresh look. "It’s the place where connection is made," says Marieke. "Different groups can come together here, share knowledge and inspire each other with what they’re doing. It's a real learning, brainstorming and inspirational place.”
Accessible resources
According to Marieke, the role of L&D in employee development is mainly in making the programmes accessible. "We provide accessible resources on themes that appeal to everyone," she explains. "We have an awesome, well-equipped online Partou Academy with a host of workshops, e-learning courses, podcasts and more. In the coming year, we’ll also be offering every early years teacher four hours of continuing education.” This training is based on the findings of the Quality department, which can be used to enhance the quality of childcare in a relatively easy manner. "After that, it's about how you can enrich certain activities, for example.”
Marieke hopes that this will help staff experience that learning new things is fun and makes them want to do more. That they’ll start talking and thinking about what makes them happy. "Moreover, we work in a field that is constantly evolving, so you just have to evolve with it. But you don't necessarily have to do that with a huge course, there are all sorts of ways you can learn. From the children and from your colleagues.”
A commitment to care
No matter where Partou is, we strive to make a difference: for children, families, our people, and the planet. Curious about what we do, what we dream of, and the challenges we face?