Lifelong Learning Week: Accounts assistant retrains as an Early Years Practitioner

Stepping back into education as an adult learner is a huge deal, why did you choose NSCG Newcastle College to kickstart your new career?
Newcastle College is local to me and I’d heard a lot of good things from the staff at my children’s nursery and school. 

What attracted you to initially study the part-time Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Diploma?
I have always worked in accounts roles, but then when pandemic hit in 2020, I decided to home school my son. When he eventually returned to education, the nursery staff at Smylers Pre School at St Luke’s Primary School were impressed with his development, and actually offered me a job within their team, which is where my journey into early years began. Not having any industry experience meant that I needed to gain this recognised Level 2 qualification to progress further.

How did you progress from this point in your career?
I moved into the Reception Class at St Luke’s Primary School offering one-to-one support to a child who had moved up from Smylers. I enrolled on the Level 2 Functional Skills Maths course at NSCG at this point so that I was in a position to progress onto the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner.

Have there been any major challenges for you along the way?
Unfortunately, I had to give up my role this summer to nurse my elderly Mother-in-Law through end of life care, but I managed to complete my maths course. I am happy to now be back at Smylers Pre School working as a volunteer, and I’m now studying the Level 3 qualification at NSCG alongside my work.

How is the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner helping you to achieve your career ambitions?
I absolutely love working with children in an early years environment. I feel like there’s a real shortage in the system for special needs trained workers within early years and primary schools, so my ultimate goal is to do more courses to do with all areas of SEND. My Level 3 qualification is definitely part of the journey to specialising in this area.

How have you found studying at college alongside your work commitments?
It can be extremely challenging at times studying part time around work. I have young children so after school runs and after school activities have to come first and then I study later in the evenings. Balancing the work, studying and family life can be difficult, but it’s definitely worth it.

How have your tutors supported you on your journey?
My tutors have been absolutely amazing. As an adult, and with a million other things going on around me alongside extra responsibilities and limited time, I have doubted myself and have been ready to give up, but the teaching staff have really supported me and have helped me to get back on track. The small things really help and haven’t gone unnoticed. I couldn’t have wished for a more supportive team behind me really rooting for me to do well. That alone makes you want to try hard and do well because you want to give something back.

What has been the best part of the course so far?
Gaining knowledge, learning new skills and being taught to look at things from a different perspective has been life-changing, not just for my career but for home life too.

Alongside your studies, you have completed Functional Skills maths courses.
I honestly almost gave up when I realised that I would have to go back and study for a maths qualification. I didn’t feel confident at all in the beginning and I actually cried during my first lesson. My teacher was so lovely and I can’t tell you how happy I am that I stuck with it. I think achieving that maths certificate was one of my proudest achievements because I really thought I couldn’t do it.

What would your advice be to adult learners?
Dig deep and in the right environment, you can achieve your goals and excel. It is scary if you have been out of a learning environment for many years but it’s most definitely worth it.

What’s next for you?
More studying! I think I’ve got the bug now. I also hope to secure a permanent job.

Find out more about adult courses at NSCG: Adult Courses