I currently work at Wainscott Primary School in Medway. I started here in September of 2022, and I love it! I've recently completed a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship, achieving this qualification with The Childcare Company. All the coursework and research was really relevant to my specific role, so it felt very personalised. I have gained a lot of valuable experience working with children – which I love to do. I also appreciate the hands-on aspect of apprenticeship training – you can implement what you learn instantly.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THIS PARTICULAR ROUTE INTO WORKING IN EARLY YEARS?
I had previously worked in a primary school and in day nurseries. I had also been a childcare assessor. But really, my aim was to be a teacher, it was what I really wanted to do. I started as a nursing practitioner at my current workplace. Although, quite soon into it, they saw I had the skills to really nurture the children, and I realised that's what I loved to do as well.
I went to my boss and I said, ‘Look, I really want to be a teacher. This is what I want to do.’ We already had a nursery teacher at the time, so she said I could become nursery lead, with an agreement that I would train while working. I said, ‘I'll do whatever I can.’
I knew I had the discipline to do the learning. I had previously completed a Level 4 course in childcare, which covered things like child learning and development. But now I was going to undertake a Level 5 lead practitioner apprenticeship. I had heard The Childcare Company was a really good training provider, and from the title of the course, I knew it was going to be a good fit for what I wanted. So, I felt it was a good way to go.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNT THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE?
As I started doing the course, what I found right away was that every single unit, every single module – it was all so relative to my job role at that time. What is great about apprenticeships is that you can put all these new things you're learning into practice right away. Through my own experience, and seeing the benefits of what I was doing, I was also able to guide some of my peers to training opportunities as well, which was nice.
One challenging thing I had to do was my functional skills in maths and English. I felt like my GCSE grades had held me back for years. As a woman in my late 40s, I hadn't done anything like that since the 90s. The Childcare Company provided resources like online classes with real tutors, and mock exams to practise. The school I work at even let me sit in on some maths classes with the students, just so I could get my head back into it!
And, would you believe it – I managed to pass both of them! Maths had been the thing I had struggled with the most over the years, so I was really proud of myself for doing that.
I know the Government recently announced that it is not a requirement for older apprentices to have English and maths to do their courses any more, but that it will still be optional. Honestly, I'm glad I did it. If I can get my maths certificate, anyone can.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER APPRENTICES CURRENTLY STUDYING OR WORKING IN THE SECTOR?
If I could give anyone advice, it would be, ‘Don't put it down.’ Keep going. Even if you only do a tiny bit of work towards your course every day, keep at it.
My development coach, Claire, was amazing. She set everything at a pace that was perfect for me, and did everything in line with how I like to learn. She was so approachable too. When I got stuck, I felt able to say, ‘You know, Claire, I just don't get it.’ Then, she would schedule a call with me where we'd talk it through and she'd break it down, and we would just keep at it until it clicked for me.
In those moments, you could so easily give up, and persuade yourself it is too hard. But, yeah – ‘Don't put it down.’ Pick it up, chip away at it a bit at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help. You can do it!
One other thing I would say is that I've been amazed by what my apprenticeship has done for my confidence. As you get older, you lose a bit of that. But completing this course has brought me back up to a level where I am able to believe in myself so much more. So, if anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship is doubting whether they can do it, I would say look at me! I didn't think in a million years I would be where I am today. Even if you're not that confident at the beginning, you will be by the end of your course.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTENDED NEXT STEPS AFTER THIS?
Well, I have only recently finished my apprenticeship, but as I was coming to the end of the course, the head teacher of our school approached me and she said, ‘How do you feel about going into reception?’ At first, I thought, ‘Oh, I don't really want to go in as a teaching assistant’ – because that felt like a step backwards. But then she said, ‘No, we want you to be the class teacher.’ I was speechless!
So, that's what I'm doing now. I'm a Reception teacher, and I absolutely love it. It's just the best thing ever.
I would actually love to do more learning. I want to do a top-up degree, but I've heard that there might be some new apprenticeship pathways announced soon, so I'm going to hold off until I know what all the options are. I do prefer the apprenticeship route. It just helps you to strike such a good balance between work and home life. You can earn while you learn, which is great. Plus, it helps you to have a career you love!
Which figures in the sector do you find most inspiring?
I've worked with some wonderful practitioners and teachers throughout my career – all of whom have inspired me to develop personally and professionally.
At my previous school, Windrush in Charlton, I worked with an amazing team and learned so much from the other early years staff and leaders. They shaped me into becoming the teacher I am today.
I am also fortunate to currently work with a very supportive team. Our Early Years Phase Leader, Michelle Hatfield, shares my passion for childcare, and advocates for the children's best interests. Working with that ethos is motivating and inspiring. She's always so supportive. She encourages me to actually believe it's never too late to follow my dreams.
