STUDENTS from the University of Chichester who were awarded the Early Years Professional status have been encouraged by the vice-chancellor to continue the institution’s heritage of making a difference to society.
The vice-chancellor, Professor Clive Behagg, told 24 students at the awards ceremony last Wednesday they had a great responsibility as the collective custodians of the next generation, as they have the ability to improve the outcomes for all children in their care.
Professor Behagg said: “It is a great pleasure for me to be presenting these awards because this university has always considered itself to be a change agent, producing people who have gone out and made a difference.”
Among those celebrating their achievements were mother and daughter, Suzanne and Liz Parsons who were study partners throughout the course and qualified together.
Suzanne, who runs a pre-school in Farnborough said: “Early Years Professional status was something we both wanted to achieve, so it made sense to do it together.
“We chose Chichester because it is such a friendly university.”
The university will continue to work with Early Years professionals and promote the benefits of being an accredited practitioner, running a consortium across London and the South East.
Pia Parry, head of department for Childhood and Youth Studies said: “These people are part of a growing community and we are going onwards and upwards.”
For more information about the university visit www.chi.ac.uk