Child Protection initiative from Tata Interactive Systems

Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), the global e-learning developer, has come up with a training initiative to a common problem faced by all organisations that work with children: how to provide effective training to the staff, carers and volunteers involved in child protection.

“The Children Act of 2004 – which is an extension of the Children Act 1989 – sets out a framework of duties and accountabilities that will help in the development of quality services relating to the needs of children,” explained Alan Samuel, head of TIS in the UK. “In addition, a national services framework for children, young people and maternity services has been developed which sets standards for children’s health and social services, and the interface of those services with education.

“These initiatives have also led to the definition of a ‘common core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce’,” he added. “This covers effective communication and management; child and young person development; safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child; supporting transitions; multi-agency working, and sharing information.”

TIS is working with organisations – including local councils in the UK – to develop custom-built e-learning programmes dealing with all these issues in order to equip personnel with the knowledge and skills needed by all those whose work involves dealing with and caring for children. Samuel added: “Given the heterogeneous nature of the audience, the content of these programmes are designed to appeal to as many people as possible.”

Each programme – tailored to each particular agency – covers:
• The basics of child protection
• How to identify a child at risk
• How to develop the skills required to help each child

Among the teaching techniques employed in the programmes is TIS’s highly acclaimed story-based learning objects (StoBLs™) approach, which uses highly realistic scenarios and stories, interactive quizzes and case studies, along with other learning aids including checklists to present learning materials in a vivid and memorable way.

End

Notes for editors

About Tata Interactive Systems (TIS)

Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) is a global pioneer in e-learning, with some 16 years experience in designing and developing innovative and cutting-edge e-learning solutions. TIS is a part of the $22 billion Tata Group – one of the largest and most trusted business conglomerates in India.

TIS employs a global team of some 950 multi-disciplinary specialists – a unique mix of project managers, software engineers, instructional designers, content developers, visual designers and animators. Its service bouquet includes Simulations, Systems Training, New Hire Training, Business Processes and Skills Training, Regulatory and Compliance Training, Sales and Customer Service Training, Adaptive Assessments, Story-based Learning Objects, M-Learning and EPSS. TIS also has a K12 maths practice and a K12 content practice, as well as having substantial experience in developing learning content and tools across keystages and subject areas.

Powered by creative talent, sound processes and technological excellence, TIS has developed e-learning solutions for more than 350 clients – including 50 Fortune 500 companies – across the US, the UK, Australia, Mainland Europe, Japan, UAE, Canada and India. Its client roster includes leading corporations, renowned educational institutions and government bodies such as American Airlines, British Airways, Citibank, Colgate-Palmolive, ExxonMobil, GE, GlaxoSmithKline, HP, McGraw-Hill, ntl, Orange, Pearson Education, Qantas, Qwest, Royal Mail, Swiss Re, UNICEF, University of Phoenix, University of Maryland and Vodafone, along with Hodder, Oxford University Press, Granada Learning, Nelson Thornes, Research Machines PLC, Compass Learning, Florida Virtual School, Harcourt, Prentice Hall and, in the government sector, BECTA, UFI and DODEA.

Apart from holding ISO 9001 certification, TIS is the only e-learning organisation in the world to be assessed at Level 5 in both the SEI-CMM and P-CMM frameworks. TIS’s quest for excellence is reflected in numerous prestigious industry awards, including a Silver Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Award 2005 and 2004, APEX 2005 Award of Excellence, BETT 2004 Best Product Award, and two Business World–NID Design Excellence awards.

For more information log on to www.tatainteractive.com


About the Tata Group

The Tata Group, established in 1904 by the great visionary Jamsetji Tata, is one of India’s largest and most trusted business houses. The group pioneered the industrial revolution in India by founding the first steel plant, power plant and chain of luxury hotels, to name but a few.

The Group employs more than 220,000 people in 93 companies across diversified industry sectors including steel, automobiles, cement, telecom and IT. Generating revenues to the tune of $22 billion per year – some three per cent of India’s total GDP – it is recognised as a leader in several industry segments such as such as steel, power, software exports and chemicals. It is also the parent company to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Asia’s largest software producer.

For more information, log on to www.tata.com

Further information from:
Alan Samuel, Tata Interactive Systems, 020 7905 0156, www.tatainteractive.com
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405, www.boblittlepr.com