ABC North West Ltd provides a range of training and occupational health services to many diverse businesses and organisations not just across the North West but across all of the UK.With a strong Health & Safety and Health focus ABC are well known for high quality competitive training from statutory training courses to bespoke specialist training services. In particular for the child care sector First Aid Training is a major market and ABC provide their training in line with OFSTED Guidelines for a 12 hour paediatric course, but also deliver bespoke short courses for Foster Carers or parent groups.Training can take place at one of ABC venues around the North West or they provide training on site at their clients premises.They also understand at ABC that training is sometimes preferred outside of normal working hours or days; therefore they can tailor training over evenings and weekends if required.Another growing area of training is that of Manual Handling, not objects but people moving and handling and here they teach the correct methods of lifting and moving individuals, which has also been popular within the child care sector.They offer courses in Fire Safety, food hygiene and general health and safety with accredited courses through an awarding body or our direct certification.***To try their services they are offering visitors to the networking event (Thursday 17th October Bury Village Hotel - booking by appointment only) a further 10% discount off their published prices for all places booked on any of our courses offered.***We do hope you try our services

Hooraah!! We completed the challenge and have survived to tell another tale. Our adventure involved scaling Everest, jumping into the Arctic Enema and surviving the electric eel. Here is a copy of our Tough Mudder course map! I have to say the whole event was inspiring. On entering the venue there was a vibrant atmosphere with several groups completing the challenge in fancy dress for their chosen charity. We particularly liked the guys in dinosaur onesies and really felt for them at the end of course as the weight they must have carried round after rolling through mud trenches, bogs etc was crazy. The warm up speeches gave me goose bumps after hearing inspiring stories of bravery (a lady had previously completed the course in an exhausting 7hrs with her wheelchair) and the camaraderie displayed throughout the whole event was wonderful whereby not only team member,s but total strangers got involved helping each other to tackle some of the tougher obstacles whether that be offering physical help with a push up or mental support with a 'You can do it'. The course weaved its way across the state grounds of Cholmondley Castle, over canal crossings and through several meres, leading us through forest trails and peat bogs filled with the kind of thick mud that sucks you in and doesn't let go. We had to tie our trainers super tight for fear of losing them. We raised over our target £500 for the Annabelle's Challenge and money still coming in so a Big Thank you to all those that supported us! I am looking forward to a week of rest now although our Team organiser is already looking at the next challenge for us to complete next year and has pre-registered us for the same event next year. Will have to think about that?!

 

 

Are you utilising this enough? “The problem with communication … is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” —George Bernard Shaw Business interactions via technology will never replace the value or the return on investment of being face to face with customers and prospects. Face-to-face communication and selling skills—what I refer to as the traditional, tried and tested, relationship-based skills—are the very lynchpins used toward establishing business relationships that survive. I believe—strongly indeed, today more than ever—in these two principles: 1. We live by relationships with support from technology; and 2. selling was never intended to be faceless or silent. I also believe at risk is a generation of near-robotic hospitality sales professionals, working alone, using technology 100% for communication and selling, denied all of the relationship-building advantages of personal, face-to-face interaction. Source David M Brudney Face-to-face selling can require a lot of time, energy, and expense, but the payoff can be tremendous. Despite all of the new high-tech alternatives, an in-person sales presentation is the single most powerful marketing tool in use today. National television advertising, telemarketing, e-mail, or print advertising have nowhere near the ability to motivate a particular customer to actually place an order as does face-to-face selling. And despite any fancy slide or computer show or other dog-and-pony show you might use, your most effective selling tool will be your verbal presentation and interaction with the prospective buyer. In almost every case, the owner of a small business will be able to make the most effective sales presentation, even more so than someone with more extensive sales experience. Source Streetwise Small Business Start-Up Attend our networking event The Village hotel, Bury , 17th October 5.00pm - 9.00pm with very little time or energy and therefore a very cost effective way to increase your business sales. Places for some supplier groups have gone but please contact us to ascertain if you are still able to take advantage of face to face meeting with all the following: Bright futures – independent setting Little acorns group –chain Pine lodge – independent setting Rosehill nursery – independent Kidsplanet – small chain Bolton school nursery –private school The owls nursery – independent setting Busy bees – national chain – senior representative Early learning childcare – independent setting Kids academy – franchise of nurseries UK and nationwide – expansion plan in place Precious little ones – chain based in the North West Hobblewobble day nursery – independent setting Early Years Provision Ltd – 2 settings Treetops – national chain verbally confirmed Plus Operational manager from national chain whom is looking at new business opportunities Only £400 to present to the group and attend the speed networking £250 for speed networking will give you excellent ROI Please contact bamboo childcare on 08448225727 or email enquiries@bamboochildcare.co.uk for further information or to book your place.

Five sleeps left until myself and 5 others put ourselves through a gruelling 10-12 mile run interspersed with 19 - 22 army style obstacles. What are we thinking you may ask?! However I have to admit I am actually looking forward to the event now and even believe it will be great fun. Please see following link to find out about the event http://toughmudder.co.uk/about/It claims to allow you to "discover a camaraderie" with your team participants and others participating which sadly is experienced far too rarely these days - so if nothing else will be a giggle.To top it all we are doing this event for a good cause namely Annabelles Challenge. Relatives of ours have children who go to school with Annabelle and see first hand how difficult it can be in the day to day activities other children take for granted. For that reason the 'Blood, Sweat and Stupidity' team are hoping to raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity. If you are able to support us by a small donation please visit the following justgiving page http://www.justgiving.com/muddyAJThank you to those who can sponsor in support and I hope to post photos after the event to show us all at the end of the course (apparently only 78% of people complete it - fingers crossed!).Hayley Knowles

Consultant Clinics with Gillian Kitchen, will enable attendees at our early years network evening to get free professional advice from Gillian whom brings a wealth of experience within early years and coaching and mentoring. This is an opportunity not to be missed!!!Gillian Kitchen:I bring over 25 years experience at senior management level in the field of early years and childcare. I have worked in many local authorities, advised local authorities on the development of children’s centres and have also worked with the private and voluntary sectors. Currently working as:• early years inspector for Ofsted• tutor for NDNA• mentor for Lancaster university for leaders of children’s centres• qualified leadership coach and mentor• early year’s consultant• registered and approved Growth Coach for Growth Accelerator enabling growth orientated businesses to gain up to 50% match funding for leadership developmentSpecialities include:Preparation for your early years Ofsted inspection, including mock inspections, review of your SEF and building staff confidence to achieve the best outcome for your setting. Training and workshops for staff in safeguarding, peer observation, induction, supervision and appraisals. Coaching and mentoring for leaders developing innovation and leadership.I bring energy, passion and insight to support those I work with to assist them to gain a better understanding of themselves and their work.QualificationsMA - Leadership, ILM qualified in leadership and executive coaching and mentoring, qualified social worker and NNEB.I will be available for prescheduled 10 min slots on the evening to discuss any issues that you may have relating to your setting in the area’s identified. Alternatively why not use your session to try out speed coaching and plan some positive changes at work or at home.Contact us on 08448225727 to attend the event and to book your session with Gillian on the 17th June at the village hotel from 5.00pm

Nursery professionals and suppliers have praised our networking event.The evening was a complete success:Nursery attendees enjoying the eventTerry Goulds inspirational speechEarly years and suppliers Presentations were excellent and well received.Speed networking enabling suppliers to pitch their products with business revenue expected imminently for PACEY, Peach photography, Vitec global solutions, Bamboo childcare recruitment, the change agency, Ask Askew and The early years consultancy.Consultant clinics providing expert advice to setting on finances, Ofsted and staffingFood and drink of very high standard with a great venueFeedback from nursery owners 100% positive, comments included:‘a very informative evening with plenty of networking time between groups'‘wonderful evening – i have gained so much and can’t wait to share my new ideas with my team, thanks.’‘I would highly recommend this event, it was amazing’‘Outstanding content and fantastic speaker. Definitely a must for all managers and leaders’Suppliers feedback also fantastic, with requests to attend the next event:Well, what a fantastic first event, you should be very proud. As a supplier it was informative and fantastic to be able to chat first hand with owners and management of nurseries in the UK. I learnt what is expected of the nurseries and was able to tailor my product offering to meet their requirements.'The venue was great, upmarket but not too formal, the speakers were informative and engaging and the food was – well I had seconds!! – Nichola Robinson Vitec Global solutionsIt was an excellent evening. Great venue, set up, running order and refreshments.It was excellent to have the chance to speak as when it came to the speed networking all I had to do was collect contact details. I had about 90% interested parties – Eleanor Lestrange Peach photography'The recent bamboo childcare networking event in June was extremely successful. As a consultant I found the set up most useful as I was able to meet with all the owners and managers attending and explain my services.From start to finish it was a very worthwhile and well organised evening which I can confidently recommend to all colleagues in the early years sector. 'Terry Gould( Educational Director) The Early Years Consultancy LtdNext event in October set to be even more successful with attendees wanting to book places already.Please contact us for more information on 08448225727 or enquiries@bamboochildcare.co.uk

Maureen Askew will be available for consultant clinics throughout the evening, early evening slots 5.00pm to 5.45pm and between 6.45pm and 7.30pm. She is available for support and guidance on issues including: staffing, finances, Ofsted requirements or just for general tips on how to improve your setting:Consultant clinic - Maureen AskewMaureen is a member of the Chartered Management Institute, gaining the prestigious award of Chartered manager in 2007, achieving reaccreditation.She has worked for over 15 years within the Early Years teams at Blackburn with Darwen and Bolton Local Authority as a Business Manager and Childcare Sufficiency officer.Gaining her Certificate of Education (Post Graduate) enabled her to work as a Childcare Tutor for the Pre-school earning Alliance and at FE colleges across Lancashire and North YorkshireShe has set up and managed voluntary managed pre-schools and private day nurseries and has provided support and guidance to childcare providers in the private, voluntary and maintained childcare sectors .he is currently Mentor for new NEA business childcare start ups for East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, and offers her services as a Volunteer Mentor for Community and Business Partnerships (CBP) in Blackburn.She is a 4Children Business Champion and believes continued professional development is important and is currently studying for CMI level 5 qualification in business support.Specialities include: Providing established Early Years and Childcare businesses and start-ups with all aspects of business advice including: Business planning ad forecasting; Occupancy and breakeven; Budgets and cashflow; Policies and procedures; Change management; Strategic planning, developing and implementing a strategic and marketing plan; D32/D33 NVQ AssessorMaureen will be available for prescheduled 5 – 10 min slots to discuss any concerns or ideas that you feel her experience will support you with We look forward to seeing you on the 27th

Bamboo Childcare are pleased to confirm that PACEY will be presenting at our networking event on 27th June.Please see below for information regarding PACEY membership:An extra helping hand to make your job easierThe Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) is a standard-setting organisation working to ensure childcare professionals across the sector can access the support they need, and gain recognition for the great work that they do.Our members are dedicated to providing high standards of care and learning for children and are receiving PACEY’s support, advice and training to do so.We know how difficult and expensive it can be to put staff through training and get quick access to essential information such as factsheets and practice guides. PACEY membership offers free training and learning and development opportunities which can help both you and your staff. PACEY membership for nursery workers is only £34.50 a year.URL – www.pacey.org.uk/bambooevent to go to - http://www.pacey.org.uk/nursery_workers.aspxFor more information on the event and how to book your place as a nursery supplier or nursery manager/owner please contact us on 08448225727 eleanor@bamboochildcare.co.uk

Nursery Network Evening – Free eventManchester Thursday 27th June 2013Limited places so please book early by emailing enquiries@bamboochildcare.co.ukJoin our free quarterly evening networking event for the nursery sector, includes: early years speakers, nursery consultants, the opportunity to network with other professionals and an evening meal and drinks. Thursday 27th June.As a company working in the early years sector we are keen to continually update our knowledge of the sector to enable us to provide appropriate services that are empathetic to our clients needs. We understand as Nursery owners and Managers your aim is similar to enable you to develop ‘Outstanding’ nurseries that parents will want their children to attend. The hope is that the network evenings will be a relaxed forum to discuss successes, gain new ideas from early years experts and discuss any problems in view of receiving feedback on how these can be resolved.The network meetings will run quarterly and will be free to Nursery Owners, Managers and Purchasers within Early Years establishments. They are an opportunity for those involved within the early years sector to meet share best practice and take advantage of discounted products exclusive to network attendees.Additional benefits will include:• Consultants clinics - Prebooked time slots to chat through any concerns within your setting with an experienced Early Years Consultant.• Early Years speakers - inspiring speakers giving practical talks and workshops to motivate Early Years Managers who want to manage an ‘outstanding’ provision.• Raffle price draw - £500 cash prize draw to be won on the evening by lucky attendee.• Discounted products ( nursery suppliers will be on hand with exclusive discounted offers for Bamboo Network Attendees ).• Free hot buffet style meal.• Reception Drinks.• Opportunity to share best practise.Contact us on 08448225727 or enquiries@bamboochildcare.co.uk for more information or to book your place.

The new children and families bill plans to introduce childminder agencies and allow Early Years providers and Childminders the right to request an Inspection out side of the normal inspection times as a paid for service.As funding is often linked to quality this will allow Early Years Providers who have not received a 'good' or 'outstanding' report to pay for a re inspection when they feel they have improved the provision sufficiently without waiting often up to 4 years for their next inspection.As parents are more frequently choosing childcare based on the Ofsted ratings this will surely come as a welcome change to providers.For the full report please read article at Nursery World on following link http://ow.ly/hsNn4