Early Years Training; Year One
I have informally worked with children since I was about sixteen years old. Initially, I was terrible with children and felt so uneasy around them because I never really knew what to say. I felt boring and could have never pictured being where I am now.
I took a few babysitting jobs here and there at first, just to earn a bit of money. Then I was told by my old college that universities loved it if you have voluntary experience. There is a primary school right on my doorstep. Funnily enough, the one I went to as a child. I went in and said I was interested in volunteering during the summer term because they're usually really busy with arts week and stuff, and I thought they'd appreciate the help. So I filled in my DBS check, it was sent off and I started.
And I loved every minute of it
I wasn't in a great place when I started this position, but it brought me so much joy and I just fell in love with the whole concept of working with children. For years, I was told I had the personality and patience to teach and it finally started to shine through a little.
After a tough year and a spur-the-moment decision, what was supposed to be my final year at college just turned into a doss. Photography was a great hobby of mine but I really couldn't see it as a career path. The more I volunteered at the school, the more I realised what a stupid mistake I'd made. So, one night at Tom's, I applied for Buxton College's childcare course.
I have also worked for a nursery as an assistant during Summer (last year), volunteered with a local scheme that provides trips for children with disabilities and learning difficulties, been an assistant at a local drama school, and have recently even led my own drama lesson independently!
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| Not my photo | I did edit it though with the quote and stuff! |
Placement...
Placement experience has been tough, especially at my first setting. I was worked really hard, which is never a bad thing, and pushed to my limits. It was testing at times, and there were a lot of tears because I just had no confidence as I was surrounded by amazing practitioners and I just felt like I was a floundering, incompetent student.
But everyone was so supportive! I had a heart to heart with my mentor about my concerns. And she told me what I really wanted to hear...
"Buck your ideas up, come in with confidence and just keep trying. Every teacher has been in the same situation"
After this, I felt like I bonded with the children a lot more. I made attachments a lot easier and was even appointed as an 'assistant in key worker' (someone who works with and supports a specific group of children).
As much as I flourished after this, I still felt a bit uneasy in this setting. One of the staff members who I had the odd dispute with even told me I could never make it as a teacher and just consistently made me feel like I had no initiative what so ever. Every time I was stationed on an activity with her I was shaking and sweating because I knew if I didn't do anything, she'd tell me off. And if I did do something, it would be all wrong.
I then moved placements and was put in a gorgeous little nursery a few towns away. This was to do my baby placement, which I never thought I could enjoy so much. I cannot wait to return next year, because everyone has made me feel so valued and like part of the team. Because we only have three babies in the room each day, it's really quite special. I've formed a bond with many of them and love to see their smiling faces when I walk into the room each morning. Working in such a welcoming environment has even made me consider becoming a maternity nurse or even opening my own nursery in the future! But I'd still love to teach and the money is a lot better....
As much as I flourished after this, I still felt a bit uneasy in this setting. One of the staff members who I had the odd dispute with even told me I could never make it as a teacher and just consistently made me feel like I had no initiative what so ever. Every time I was stationed on an activity with her I was shaking and sweating because I knew if I didn't do anything, she'd tell me off. And if I did do something, it would be all wrong.
I then moved placements and was put in a gorgeous little nursery a few towns away. This was to do my baby placement, which I never thought I could enjoy so much. I cannot wait to return next year, because everyone has made me feel so valued and like part of the team. Because we only have three babies in the room each day, it's really quite special. I've formed a bond with many of them and love to see their smiling faces when I walk into the room each morning. Working in such a welcoming environment has even made me consider becoming a maternity nurse or even opening my own nursery in the future! But I'd still love to teach and the money is a lot better....
The work...
I'm sure there are LOADS of you out there who think working with children involves going into nursery, having a few cuddles and going home again.
Wrong.
Working as an early years practitioner is actually quite a scientific job, and we are also helping your children to unlock the essential skills that will carry them through school and the rest of their lives.
We have to observe every action your child makes, their behaviour and all of their accomplishments. You may not believe it, but a six month old baby picking up a stickle-brick is a huge deal.
The assignments I have had to do our a nightmare, too. Not because they are particularly challenging, but because the lecturers I have had are so eye-opening and it's extremely challenging to put that into words. There is a lot of theory, psychology, sociology, maths, literacy, biology and history associated with early childhood studies, so it really isn't that straight forward...
It has been a challenge, being in further education for my third year. But I think it took a few trial and error runs to find the right course for me. I remember, when filling in my DBS criminal background check, that we were told we would be learning how to work with children in the early years sector and I died a little on the inside because I wanted to work with children in Key Stage Two. But as it turns out, thanks to this course I feel confident in my own abilities that I will actually find it better and more enjoyable working in the key stage one sector.
Making friends hasn't been easy this year either. I've made some and lost some but that's probably due to the age gap. Plus, being in a class where there's only one bloke hasn't made it any easier.
But, I'm looking forward to learning from my next year and getting ready to go to university for the next big step! Well, not the UCAS, interviewing and examination side of things...
Grace x
I'm sure there are LOADS of you out there who think working with children involves going into nursery, having a few cuddles and going home again.
Wrong.
Working as an early years practitioner is actually quite a scientific job, and we are also helping your children to unlock the essential skills that will carry them through school and the rest of their lives.
We have to observe every action your child makes, their behaviour and all of their accomplishments. You may not believe it, but a six month old baby picking up a stickle-brick is a huge deal.
The assignments I have had to do our a nightmare, too. Not because they are particularly challenging, but because the lecturers I have had are so eye-opening and it's extremely challenging to put that into words. There is a lot of theory, psychology, sociology, maths, literacy, biology and history associated with early childhood studies, so it really isn't that straight forward...
It has been a challenge, being in further education for my third year. But I think it took a few trial and error runs to find the right course for me. I remember, when filling in my DBS criminal background check, that we were told we would be learning how to work with children in the early years sector and I died a little on the inside because I wanted to work with children in Key Stage Two. But as it turns out, thanks to this course I feel confident in my own abilities that I will actually find it better and more enjoyable working in the key stage one sector.
Making friends hasn't been easy this year either. I've made some and lost some but that's probably due to the age gap. Plus, being in a class where there's only one bloke hasn't made it any easier.
But, I'm looking forward to learning from my next year and getting ready to go to university for the next big step! Well, not the UCAS, interviewing and examination side of things...
Grace x
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