Ian Waller pays a visit to the new educational resource and learns about a bursary partnership with Norland College
Bath College has officially opened its new Early Years Education Suite, alongside announcing a bursary partnership with Norland College, aimed at addressing skills gaps across Somerset and creating a clear progression route into higher education.
The state-of-the-art suite has been designed to replicate real early years education environments, with realistic zones, simulation features and modern equipment to help learners develop practical, work-ready skills.
A number of current students attended the launch event and were quick to praise the new facilities, highlighting how the space will enhance their training and better prepare them for careers in the sector. Many had also played an active role in shaping the suite’s design, bringing valuable insight from their own workplace experience to help ensure the environment reflects real-world settings.
Thanks to the new bursary partnership, a small number of learners will have a direct pathway to higher education with Norland, one of the UK’s most respected early years training providers.
The collaboration will also support the development of an elite programme, sharing best practice to help create highly skilled, work-ready early years professionals. Access to the bursary will be available to learners applying for Early Years Education courses from the 2026/2027 academic year.
Sue Hudd, Head of Education at Bath College, said, “The launch of our Education Simulation Suite is an exciting addition to how we prepare our learners for real-world practice. This innovative space allows students to build confidence, apply theory and develop their professional skills in a safe, immersive environment.
“Our collaboration with Norland sets high aspirations for our learners and exposes them to exceptional standards within the sector. Together, we are creating a learning experience that prepares learners for employment and inspires them to strive for excellence in their future careers.”
Dr Rebecca Diby, Vice Principal of Norland, added, “We’re pleased to be working in collaboration with Bath College. Together, we are developing a Norland Bath College bursary to promote local higher education opportunities, supporting Bath College students to progress to the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree and the Norland Diploma in Bath – training that can open the door to outstanding careers as Norland Nannies.
“Full details will be announced in due course. Norland is world-famous for its long-standing heritage and exceptionally high standards in early years education and training, and it’s a privilege to support talented Bath College students as they take their next steps. The showcase of the college’s excellent resources and learners will further strengthen pathways into higher education and future careers.”
