Bath’s Norland College, best known for its nannies in their distinctive uniforms and one of the UK’s smallest independent higher education institutions, has been awarded a ‘Gold’ rating for the standard of its teaching for a second consecutive year.
The college, which has been providing bespoke early years higher education for 127 years, has once again achieved the highest standard possible in the government-backed TEF (Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework). 
TEF assesses undergraduate teaching across the country and the Gold rating, which is valid for two years, allows students to make more informed choices about where to study for their degrees.
In March the college was granted taught degree awarding powers by the Privy Council, making it the UK’s smallest undergraduate degree awarding institution and the third in Bath after the city’s two universities – the University of Bath and Bath Spa University.
The college had previously offered a three-year full-time BA (Hons) degree in Early Years Development and Learning validated by the University of Gloucestershire.
The following month it won the Independent Higher Education (HE) category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA) in London.
A key component of TEF is the National Student Survey (NSS), which gathers undergraduates’ opinions about their course, and takes into account factors such as the learning environment, student experience and opportunities for employment after graduation. Completion rates and achievement are also considered.
Norland College principal Dr Janet Rose said: “We’re extremely proud to achieve a gold TEF award at Norland College for the second year in a row. This award is in recognition of the hard work of our academic and student support team, who consistently strive to make sure the experience our early years students receive is the highest possible quality.
College vice principal, head of academic services and registrar Mandy Donaldson added: “We are particularly proud of this award as it is based on feedback from our students, along with their retention rates and achievements.
“Above all, we’re pleased to be able to offer Norland College students with the rarest of prospects for graduates – guaranteed and well-paid employment opportunities with children and families.”
Its three-year full-time BA (Hons) degree in Early Years Development and Learning is integrated with the prestigious Norland Diploma, which runs alongside the degree and for a year afterwards, enabling students to put theory into practice.
Norland students are also taught an array of value-added specialist skills, from emotion coaching to security training and even skid pan driving.
The college’s in-house employment agency provides newly qualified nannies with 100% employment opportunities.
Founded in London in 1892 by Emily Ward, Norland College has been at the forefront of childcare training ever since, giving students the opportunity to take their place among the world’s most sought-after childcare professionals.
