Early Childhood Studies students visit Lincoln County’s neonatal unit

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Graduate Practitioner Competencies students had the privilege of visiting Lincoln County’s Neonatal Unit this March.

Led by Helen Fletcher and Helen Chaplin, the group explored what is involved in supporting babies born prematurely or requiring additional care, gaining a first-hand understanding of the extraordinary expertise and dedication of the neonatal team.

The visit offered students invaluable insights that will help shape their developing professional practice within the field of Early Childhood Studies.

Reflecting on the visit, Helen Fletcher, Neonatal Unit Manager, shared: “The students were highly engaged, polite and professional - a real credit to the University! We really enjoyed their company and wish them all the best with their future studies.”

This visit forms part of our expanded opportunities for students on the Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway. Alongside the traditional Early Childhood Studies degree, this route offers enhanced placements and enrichment experiences, including specialist visits and trips, such as this one, to a variety of community providers, including Community Interest Companies (CICs).

Dr Samantha Hoyes, Senior Lecturer Early Childhood Studies, said: “It was an amazing opportunity to witness the incredible work of the neonatal team firsthand. Our students gained so much from the experience, strengthening their knowledge and understanding of the very earliest moments of a baby’s life. This will no doubt help to shape their future practice with babies, children, and families.”

During the visit, the university was also gifted its very own Captain Flinders — the mascot of the Lincoln NNU Sibling Club. You can follow Captain Flinders’ adventures on Facebook at ‘The Adventures of Captain Flinders – The Lincoln NNU Sibling Club Mascot’. Below is a flyer for their upcoming challenge to raise funds for the unit - the challenge will see the team bike from Lincoln’s neonatal unit to Boston’s special care baby unit, and then back again! 

For more information about Early Childhood Studies at Lincoln Bishop, please click here!