EYE SUPPLEMENT Student Spotlight: Asking questions

Fallon started her training with Spring RAF Benson in August 2022, which has involverd full-time employment working with different early years age groups in the setting, and on the job training alongside her level 3 qualification. She has just completed her end point assessment in the last few weeks, finishing her training in the first quarter of this year.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THIS PARTICULAR ROUTE INTO WORKING IN EARLY YEARS?

I didn't feel like the full-time college route was for me as I wanted to work in a setting and get the hands on experience of working with the children. I found it so helpful to be based in a nursery and being given key children to work with was the best way for me to learn. I felt a sense of responsibility for the children and built relationships with the parents and carers, which I know is so important.

Before I started this with hildren during as communication while working qualification, I did some work experience in an organization that worked with adults who had learning disabilities. It was then that I decided I would love to work with children as a career rather than adults.

I was also really interested in working in an RAF setting, as I wanted to support the children who attend as they go through changes and transitions when their parents are deployed. I wanted to be able to give these children support with their behaviour and help them to develop an understanding of their own emotions.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNT THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE?

I feel that I have learnt so much about how different children need support with their behaviour. No two children will react in the same way so you have to really adapt your approach to give them the support they need to make choices. I have learnt a lot about types of behaviour as communication while working in the nursery and about the reasons why children may react in the way they do.

We have several children in the setting with SEND, and I have been using strategies with them to support them to self-regulate and focus their attention. Through a patient approach I support one child to effectively use our calming corner to calm down and practice breathing exercises. This has really helped him to regulate his emotions, allowing him to be able to join back in with the activities we are doing at a given time.

I have also learnt a lot about working with parents and how important it is to build relationships with them. I found having difficult conversations with parents hard at first, especially as I am young and was inexperienced. The other staff at the nursery asked me to observe them speaking with parents at handover times, and I watched how they delivered key messages. My mentor in the setting then asked if I wanted to do a hand over with one of my key children's parents, so I did and this helped me to build up my confidence gradually. The more I watched the other staff the more confident I felt; this was definitely the best way to learn for me.

The biggest thing I have learnt throughout my time at Spring RAF Benson is patience! I understand the importance of giving children time to learn skills and also the importance of modelling expectations to the children. An example of this is when children were learning to put their coats on. I showed them a technique to do this, then modelled it myself so they could learn this new skill.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER STUDENTS/APPRENTICES CURRENTLY STUDYING OR WORKING IN THE SECTOR?

I would definitely say don't be scared to ask for help! I used to think I needed to find out the answers to the questions I had all by myself, and just get on with my work. However, once I started asking questions and checking my understanding, I started to learn so much more.

You learn so much from other experienced staff members. They give me real life examples of things which they have experienced, and this has really helped me learn about different topics. For example I have learnt more about safeguarding through the manager giving me examples and scenarios which she has come across in her experience.

It can be sometimes scary to ask for help but what you need to remember is that all the staff want to do is help you to learn, and they don't know what you don't know or what support you need until you speak to them.

I would also say take time to do research. It really helped me when I went looking to find out more about topics, and allowed me to give more details in professional discussions. I have watched documentaries and done additional reading to expand my knowledge, and this has been so beneficial for my coursework and allowed me to bring this knowledge into my practice in the nursery.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTENDED NEXT STEPS AFTER THIS?

I will continue to take everything I have learnt and put it into practice in the room. I think I am going to do my level 5 qualification next year, I have been looking into what I need to do for it; it looks really interesting – I am quite excited about that!

I am going to complete some further training in different topics to expand my knowledge and skills. I am really interested in learning more about SEND and different needs, including how best to support the children. I want to learn more about how children think and learn and how best to support their behaviour and self-regulation.

In five year's time I would love to have completed my level 5 and be working as a SENCO in a setting. I want to expand my knowledge and eventually take on this role as I have a passion in this area.

which figures in the sector do you find most inspiring and why?

Sarah – my deputy manager. She is a total godsend!

When I started she was the room leader for the room in which I was working. She subsequently became deputy manager.

The fact that she has worked her way up through the setting, from starting out as an unqualified member of staff, is inspiring to me and I look up to her.

She is always approachable and supportive towards the whole team. What I love most about Sarah is that no question is a silly question. I feel like I could ask her anything and she would support me to get to the answer.

Even when she is busy, Sarah will still make time for the staff and take time to check in. She will chat through things no matter how long it takes. Sarah routinely gives up her own time to support staff and everyone really appreciates it. I tell her all the time how amazing she is!