Lily’s course involves full-time study for three years plus one year in paid employment. It includes over 1,200 placement hours in a wide range of early years settings. Her fourth year comprises employment as a newly qualified nanny, alongside the final module of the Norland diploma. (Students now study the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care and Norland diploma.)
I am currently a student at Norland in Bath. I am studying for a BA (Hons) degree in Early Years Development and Learning as well as the Norland diploma. A typical week at Norland comprises four academic lectures covering a variety of topics such as: physical development, working with families and reflective practice. Alongside this, we have a sewing lecture, practical food and nutrition sessions, an online food and nutrition session (we cover topics such as hygienic practice, allergies and food intolerances) and masterclasses that cover topping and tailing, making up cots, brain development and potty training. I have also had the privilege of attending multiple guest lectures over my three years at Norland on a broad range of topics such as food preferences, exploring representation of LGBTQIA+ identities in practice, supporting diversity and inclusion, leadership and supporting bilingual children.
Additionally, throughout the three years spent at Norland, we complete multiple placements in nurseries, schools, hospital wards and family homes. The course is comprised of three years at Norland in Bath and a fourth year in a paid placement, which is called the Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year. I am now moving into my fourth year.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE THIS PARTICULAR ROUTE, AND TO PURSUE STUDYING/WORKING IN EARLY YEARS?
I knew from a young age I wanted to work with children. Even as a child myself I enjoyed being involved with the care of my younger siblings, often bargaining with my mum to swap doing the dishes for getting my siblings ready for bed. As for nannying, this is a profession that I entered during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the restrictions eased, you were allowed to bubble with another household for childcare. I began caring for a two-year-old and fell in love with the job. It didn’t feel like work. I was 18 and looking to go onto university but felt nervous about starting a full-time academic course. That’s when my mum suggested Norland. She had also trained as a nanny and her institution had gone on a trip to Norland, which is how she knew about it. I owe my vocation to my mother; she has always inspired me by being such a great parent. Her character, attitudes and support have guided me to where I am now and played a large part in the type of nanny I am. After looking at the course and what Norland had to offer, the mix of academic and practical learning stood out in particular. I applied and was offered a place. Norland offers a unique course by covering such a wide variety of topics. In addition to the degree, we learn to sew, to cook, practical skills like bathing, making up cots, and gain valuable and diverse experiences through the varied placements.
WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND CHALLENGING, AND ALSO HELPFUL IN OVERCOMING THESE CHALLENGES?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced while studying at Norland has been my academic assignments. In my first year, I struggled with completing essays and literature reviews, as these were fairly new skills for me. With the support of my peers and Norland, I slowly started to learn and develop my academic writing skills. Norland offers a substantial amount of student support. By having access to my lecturers, tutor and the library team, I went from failing my first assignment to achieving an A grade in the final section of my dissertation.
Additionally, I have often struggled with imposter syndrome, often feeling that I was not smart enough or hard working enough or creative enough to excel at being a nanny. This feeling seemed to pop up often when I was feeling stressed or struggling with assignments or on placements which, when talking to my peers, was common with others as well. Talking with my friend on the course made a huge difference. Knowing that others also struggled with this feeling, particularly the people I was comparing myself to, helped me to realise that we can all only do our best. Working in the early years sector can be challenging, but I have found there is a community of practitioners that can relate and offer support, which can make all the difference.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER STUDENTS CURRENTLY STUDYING OR WORKING IN THE SECTOR?
The advice I would give to current students and apprentices is not to forget the difference you can make in a child’s life. Working or studying to work in the early years sector can be challenging; there’s a lot to learn and even more to experience. I know this can feel overwhelming, not to mention we often work long hours, and it can be easy to feel unappreciated in tough times. But to a child, a happy, knowledgeable, kind and passionate practitioner can make a huge difference. Not only to their development, but to their attachment style, emotions, views, actions and so much more. For nannies in particular, we work in such a unique role that it is easy to forget the privilege we are afforded by the families we work with. We are welcomed into family homes, share in their experiences and, most importantly, we get to see children grow and develop, ultimately helping to shape who they become. Do not take what you do for granted, even when it feels tough, and make sure to enjoy it. Enjoy the small things and the big!
WHAT ARE YOUR INTENDED NEXT STEPS AFTER THIS?
After my three years of study, I will be completing the fourth and final year of training, the Newly Qualified Nanny year. During this year, we apply for and work a paid job for 12 months, completing paperwork and gaining experience of working in a home environment. This is an opportunity to put all the skills and knowledge from the last three years of training into practice, while still being supported by Norland. I will be looking to find a role in London which I will start in the autumn. I know some of my peers will be taking roles in areas such as Kent, Essex and Bath. I am very much looking forward to this year as the start of an exciting and fulfilling career in early years.
WHICH FIGURES IN THE SECTOR DO YOU FIND MOST INSPIRING?
Throughout my three years, I am happy to say I was, and continue to be, inspired by my peers and fellow classmates. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by like-minded and passionate students who all had unique ideas, perspectives and experiences. I have learnt a lot from my peers and feel lucky to have been a part of such an enthusiastic group. Moreover, my peers have been an excellent source of support. Knowing that they share in your experiences, emotions, challenges and successes can be a great motivator and helped to boost my professional self-confidence.
