CACHE Alumni

Bringing together professionals across care, health, early years, and education to connect and grow.

A professional membership network designed to help the helpers. Join us free to share best practice, read articles and keep track of your CPD.

11/09/2026

What if looking beyond behaviour could lead to better outcomes for learners, colleagues and communities?

That's exactly what Education & Skills Training and Development (ESTD) has found after adopting trauma-informed practice.

Following NCFE's trauma-informed practice training, the organisation has seen:

• Greater staff confidence in recognising and responding to individual needs
• More inclusive and flexible approaches to learning and support
• A more open culture where staff feel comfortable discussing their experiences and support needs
• Improved progress for apprentices receiving additional support

If you work with children, young people or adults, there's plenty to take away from ESTD's experience.

Read more 👇
https://bit.ly/3SGpHKy

03/09/2026

The social care workforce is under increasing pressure. What practical action can we take to support recruitment, retention, and career progression?

Join our next CACHE Alumni CPD event: Building the future social care workforce.

🗓️29 September | ⏰12–1pm

Based on findings from NCFE's social care workforce report, this interactive panel discussion will bring together sector experts and social care professionals to explore:

▪️creating clearer career pathways
▪️strengthening professional recognition
▪️supporting workforce development through skills and training
▪️practical solutions to improve retention and progression.

You'll also have the opportunity to share your own experiences through live polls, discussion, and Q&A.

Whether you're on the frontline, leading teams, supporting learning and development, or shaping workforce strategy, we'd love you to be part of the conversation.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4ixrM5R

01/09/2026

Many of us have been told we're "too sensitive" at some point in our careers. But what if sensitivity isn't a weakness?

For many neurodivergent people, heightened sensory and perceptive awareness can help identify risks, understand others more effectively, and respond to change sooner.

In our latest CACHE Alumni blog, Matthew Bellringer explores why organisations should move beyond resilience-focused thinking and create environments where diverse strengths can thrive.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4xzQYgA

28/08/2026

When we talk about recruitment and retention in the CACHE sectors, the focus is often on pay, wellbeing, and staffing pressures.

But supporting and developing the workforce is just as important.

In the latest issue of Aluminate, Jodie Carter explores how training can help build a more sustainable workforce across early years, health, and social care.

Read the full article in Aluminate. Free CACHE Alumni membership gives you access to the latest issue and full archive: https://bit.ly/4y9CcNR

25/08/2026

AI won't replace dental nurses – but it could transform their day-to-day work.

As dentistry becomes increasingly digital, the profession faces both opportunities and challenges.

From reducing repetitive admin tasks to tackling digital burnout, Laura Lane explores what AI means for dental nurse wellbeing. She also examines why the human side of care remains irreplaceable.

📖 Read the full article in Aluminate – available exclusively to CACHE Alumni members. Become a member for free today to access the latest issue and full archive: https://bit.ly/4y9CcNR

21/08/2026

What does effective supervision actually look like in an early years setting?

It's more than a catch-up or a friendly chat, and it's not something that only larger organisations need.

When supervision is structured, regular and purposeful, it can help leaders:

▪️support staff wellbeing
▪️address challenges early
▪️improve performance
▪️strengthen outcomes for children.

In her new article for Aluminate, Dr Shelly Newstead shares a practical guide for early years leaders. It covers scheduling, privacy, recording discussions, and supporting staff through difficult periods.

Essential reading for anyone leading and supporting teams in the early years sector.

👉 Aluminate is available exclusively to CACHE Alumni members. Sign up for free today to read the full article and latest issue: https://bit.ly/4y9CcNR

20/08/2026

Who will be teaching, caring for, and supporting future generations?

Many of them received their T Level results this time last week.

With almost 20,000 learners receiving their results, record participation and strong pass rates demonstrate increasing confidence in T Levels and the opportunities they create.

For the education, early years and health sectors, that's incredibly encouraging.

From nursery practitioners and teaching assistants to nurses and midwives, learners are already progressing into employment, apprenticeships, and higher education. For many, industry placements have been instrumental in helping them build the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to take their next step.

Discover what this year's T Level results tell us about the future of our sectors👇
https://bit.ly/4hDY1Qu

19/08/2026

Could healthcare appointments soon become easier to access around work?

The NHS 10-Year Health Plan proposes a new network of Neighbourhood Health Centres to bring services closer to communities. They would offer longer opening hours and more joined-up support.

For professionals in education, early years, and health and social care, the changes could make accessing healthcare easier around work hours and demands.

In the latest issue of Aluminate, Ruth McGuire explores the new proposals and what they could mean for workers across our sectors.

Swipe through for a snapshot, or sign up to CACHE Alumni for free today to read the full article and magazine: https://bit.ly/4y9CcNR

14/08/2026

How often do you stop and consider the conditions you need to thrive? 🌻

In the latest issue of Aluminate, Annie Pendrey uses the sunflower as a powerful metaphor for health and wellbeing. Discover practical strategies for avoiding burnout, prioritising rest, and flourishing all year round.

Become a CACHE Alumni member for free today to read the article and access the full magazine: www.ncfe.org.uk/cache-alumni/

11/08/2026

Out now: the summer 2026 edition of Aluminate magazine ☀️

From tackling burnout to understanding the role of mentoring, supervision and trauma-informed practice, this edition is packed with practical insights to support professionals across health, social care, education, and early years.

You'll also discover:

▪️what nature can teach us about wellbeing and resetting our mindset
▪️the innovative Moon Room approach to children's learning rhythms
▪️why sensitivity should be recognised as a workplace strength, not a weakness.
▪️how AI and digital transformation are shaping dental nurse wellbeing.
▪️the future of community-based healthcare through Neighbourhood Health Centres.

A huge thank you to all our contributors for sharing their expertise, experiences, and perspectives.

👉 Read the summer edition on the Learning Hub now: https://bit.ly/45x6MVn

Not yet a CACHE Alumni member? Join for free today and get instant access to this issue and the full Aluminate back catalogue: https://bit.ly/4fMYFbR

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