WHY DID YOU NOMINATE JACK FOR OUR EARLY YEARS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD?
Kath: Jack is an excellent apprentice who goes above and beyond what is required. Jack has life-limiting medical conditions and he never uses these as an excuse and he does not make them public knowledge. Jack is a lovely person who takes everything in his stride and has built up fantastic relationships with children and staff. Jack has found his place in a team who accepts him for who he is.
JACK, WERE YOU SURPRISED TO BE NOMINATED AND TO WIN?
Yes, having only been in the nursery for a year it was a big surprise. I found it difficult to understand why Kath and Sarah nominated me as it was the first time someone had really believed in me. I was so pleased.
It was a huge surprise to win such a big award. It’s a good confidence boost and proves that the work I was doing was right and made a difference. Despite experiencing difficulties, I’ve found something I want to do. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I did at school. It’s great being able to help children achieve regardless.
WHAT DID JACK WINNING MEAN TO YOU, KATH?
It meant a lot as it provided confirmation for Jack that he is doing a good job and he has found a career he enjoys. It provides publicity and praise for the nursery and helps us attract new apprentices and train the new workforce. It’s also helpful to raise the profile of our apprentice training provider, again helping to attract new students.
We’ve noticed that winning the award has improved Jack’s confidence. He is now happy to take the lead with activities.
JACK, HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO WORK IN EARLY YEARS?
It was always something I was interested in but didn’t know if I would be able to achieve because of my additional needs. I love children, they give me so much joy and seeing them achieve something is awesome.
WHAT BARRIERS HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME TO ACHIEVE WORKING IN A SETTING?
I have ongoing health issues which prove to be a daily challenge for me. I’ve faced lots of barriers at school and finding a placement that would accept me was a challenge. My health concerns mean that I have to be careful not to over-stretch myself. Nursery have been really good at putting adjustments in place.
I will eventually have to have major surgery but at the minute I am coping well. I also have auditory processing disorder, which can make things difficult, but since SEND to Learn are set up with an understanding of adapting things and working to provide what the individual requires, be it staff or children, things are going well.
JACK, WHAT MOMENTS/ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Settling in a little girl who had just moved to an adoptive family and had huge separation anxiety. She was understandably very attached to her new mum and didn’t want to go anywhere without her. Kath and Sarah trusted me with her and she took to me straight away. There must have been something they saw in me to pick me to be her key person. She now comes into nursery independently and will interact with other staff and explore. I am so pleased that I have helped her with this. I love seeing her smile, interact and gain her independence.
Due to my past experiences and medical conditions, I feel lucky that I can be part of the nursery team and in a job that I love doing despite the challenges it throws at me. I definitely want to learn more, and I already know that I have a job at SEND to Learn.
KATH, HOW HAS JACK FLOURISHED SINCE STARTING AT NURSERY?
Jack’s confidence has grown and he is flourishing in all aspects of his work. His knowledge of child development and connections with our children has grown tremendously. This, combined, with his natural passion, has helped him grow. We have already offered him a job once his training is completed as he is such a valued member of our team. For someone so young with a complex history, he is amazing. Jack will lead activities, make contributions to staff meetings and carry out additional development activities. He is definitely an asset to the team. Jack initially came to us on a two-week placement to see if childcare was on option for him, and he has never left.
HOW HAVE YOU AND OTHER TEAM MEMBERS SUPPORTED JACK?
We have made reasonable adjustments including an extended apprenticeship. Jack has weekly mentoring sessions to discuss work or any other issues he has. We have a very supportive team that help each other. Due to our language set-up in nursery and our inclusive ethos, Jack’s auditory processing difficulties are managed well within. Jack has the confidence to let us know if he needs any alterations or additional help. For example, if Jack is feeling tired, we will adapt his activities to meet his needs, such as not walking up the flights of stairs lots of times in a day and spending time on less energetic activities until he has recovered.
JACK, WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE?
To complete my apprenticeship and hopefully continue to work in early years and expand my knowledge. I will be fully qualified by December 2023 at the latest.
I want to be able to build upon the knowledge I have gained so far and help other students and apprentices in the future. I would like to be able to lead more activities and help support others. Maybe one day I could be a room leader or senior practitioner.
I know that my medical conditions are life-limiting, but I intend to follow my goal of being an early years practitioner and helping children achieve. I know at some point I will need a transplant, but I know that SEND to Learn will be there to support me and welcome me back to work when possible.
