'After a career in accountancy I became a nursery proprietor three years ago. Tinysaurus Nursery, in Hove, currently employs 16 staff and caters for 42 children, from six months to five years old. Because I have been in the sector for a relatively short period, I thought it would be a good idea to pursue the Long, 15-month Pathway with the University of Brighton and, as the course now nears completion, I am very glad I chose this route.
'The course is wide-ranging, with 39 standards relating to areas such as knowledge and understanding, effective practice, relationships with children, communicating and working in partnership with families and carers, teamwork and collaboration and professional development. While there is a lot of theory, it is closely tied to practice and I have made changes to my setting's approach as I have progressed through it.
'I've benefited so much from meeting people as well as from the reading and essay writing. There is plenty of support from the tutor when it comes to the assignments, and whatever we write about is always related back to practicalities.
'On a personal level, training to be an EYP has helped me to think on my feet and become more confident in the ways I present my ideas.
'Embarking on this Pathway has made me realise how serious this job is. The role of the key person is something that the course gives huge emphasis to and this has informed the practice in my nursery.
'The Long Pathway has provided me with a depth of training that has enabled me to model good practice on a day-to-day basis, in a way which is of real benefit to everyone who works in the setting. Undoubtedly my job has become more based on observation and I am finding ways to build on that. While I am still hands-on, I can now see a wider perspective.'
