Chinese students learn about childcare in the UK

Chinese students spent two weeks in Cambridge thanks to a pioneering link-up educational project between Cambridge Regional College and PurpleBee Learning.

Students from Hubei College in central China came to Cambridge Regional College for the pilot scheme where they attended lectures in Early Years education and learning English. This was combined with two full days of working alongside practitioners in local Early Years nurseries

The programme enabled students to collaborate, share ideas and explore the differences between China and the UK in their approach to Early Years provision.

The link-up educational and cultural scheme was led by PurpleBee Learning an Early Years training company based in Cambridge following a visit to Hubei College in April this year.

Linda approached CRC to collaborate in jointly delivering the two-week educational programme. 

Linda Baston-Pitt, Chief Executive of PurpleBee, said: “The project has provided invaluable hands on life experience for the students giving them a real taste and understanding of what it’s like to be an Early Years teacher in the UK.  We have all learnt a great deal from each other and what we’ve all noticed is how closely our values on Early Years practice from the importance of wellbeing to the value of learning through play are aligned. “

Denise Bullock, Head of International at CRC, added: “The visit has been a huge success and a fantastic experience for students and staff.  We hope this is the beginning of a very successful collaborative partnership and that many more students have the opportunity to study Early Years education in Cambridge.”

Gladys Chen, a course leader from Hubei College in China, said: “It’s been an unforgettable experience for us all. Our students have learnt so much.”

Course leader Mary Wang added: “There’s a big difference between our two countries which has been very interesting. It has been great for our students who are going home with many happy memories.”

Mike Maurice, director of PurpleBee added “This partnership has been a fantastic opportunity to establish closer relationship between Cambridge and Wuhan and we would like to think that this will be the first of many educational and cultural exchanges between us.”