Early Years Community Research Centre (Sheffield Hallam University / Save the Children UK)

Host Details

About the Host
We run a community research nursery and deliver community support in partnership with Save the Children UK and a CIC.

Host Location
Sheffield

Website
Visit

Type of Organisation
Academic organisation, Third sector organisation

Employment Area
Higher Education/ Academia, Public administration, Education, and Health/Social Care

About the Placement 

Provide a brief overview of the context that led to the need for this specific placement or project.

The Early Years Community Research Centre is a hyper-local demonstrator site, providing community early childhood education and care and family support. The EYCRC has a wider remit for co-design and community development in partnership with Save the Children UK and a small CIC. The need to support the development of the CIC to take on a wider role in the community was the context for the need for this specific placement.

What was the most significant outcome or deliverable achieved during the placement?

The development of the CIC, including attracting funds through our researcher’s bids and setting up management systems for the group.

What was the most challenging aspect of supervising/hosting a placement, and how did you address it?

The researcher building trusting relationships with community members to enable them to work effectively in this area of socio-economic challenge. Our researcher was introduced to the CIC and other community members through a trusted member of the partnership. This together with the researcher’s own relational skills allowed this barrier to be quickly overcome.

What tips or advice would you give to current or future host organisations interested in undertaking a placement?

Involve your researcher with as much as possible from day one so that they can become immersed in the project.