Side by Side Training

Side by Side Training is a specialist training and assessment centre focused on the Early Years, Care and Schools sectors. Based in Poundbury, Dorchester, they provide vocational training and qualifications designed to develop a high-quality early years and childcare workforce in line with government strategy. Their provision includes apprenticeships and other qualifications across Early Years, Playwork, Children and Young People’s Workforce, Residential Childcare and Supporting Teaching and Learning, alongside employability skills and Functional Skills in English, maths and ICT. They also deliver programmes in assessing and verifying, team leading and management, and business administration, giving employers a broad offer to support staff development at different levels. Apprenticeships are promoted as an opportunity both for new entrants and for employers wishing to upskill existing staff, with tailored training packages and close employer engagement. In addition to regulated qualifications, Side by Side Training offers a wider range of online short courses such as food hygiene, health and safety, equality and diversity, and safeguarding. They work in collaboration with BCP Skills & Learning Adult Community Education to offer funded Level 2 qualifications for adults over 19 who want to work with children, and maintain links with specialist partners to provide accredited safety courses for childcare settings.(sidebysidetraining.co.uk)