What were you doing before starting your apprenticeship?
Going through a career change, my previous job in retail was no longer an option. I needed a better work and home life balance. I was originally looking for a teaching assistant role in a Primary school.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship in the Early Years field?
I was offered a job to help in the baby room at my daughters preschool. Where I was offered to do the level 3 early years educators apprenticeship. I thought it was the best way to achieve the level 3 while working. Then I’m learning while I’m earning as I’m an older student in my 30s with a family to support.
What does a typical week look like (work vs training)?
I work about 6 hrs a day it fits around my children’s school drop off and pick ups. I have training systems to study through which are very flexible. The apprenticeship is good you get on average monthly work to do but these can be more flexible and the work is manageable and assessors are supportive.
What new skills have you developed since starting?
I’ve learnt a lot more about child development and the milestones for different age groups. Learnt a lot about early years foundation stage framework and government guidelines for supporting children’s learning. The impact and types of quality learning opportunities and how children benefit from these for improved outcomes. More information about special educational needs and how better to support these children in settings and the importance of working with parents/carers and other professionals to support children’s learning and outcomes. First aid skills and the importance of understanding about food intolerances and allergies.
Can you give one example of how you’ve used these skills at work?
Ensuring the safety of the children while playing and exploring their learning environments learning how to assess potential risks. First aid for minor injuries as nothing serious has occurred. Being able to follow the EYFS to track my key children’s development and being able to design activities to support their next steps of learning and development for their ages. Better understanding about children’s allergies and intolerances in the setting ensuring the safety of all affected children during meal times. The more knowledge I gain the more confident I feel in my role.
What has been the biggest challenge so far?
Transitioning has been the biggest challenge for me but with great support from my management and colleagues I’ve learnt techniques on how to improve my communication with parents/carers on how best to support children when transitioning into our setting and this has led to successful transitions and happy families.
What support helped you overcome it?
Having colleagues who have years of experience working in the early years and who are supportive and encouraging has really helped me overcome some difficulties when first starting the role.
What are your next steps after completing your apprenticeship?
I would really like to complete a SENCO qualification and then potentially do the level 4 early years educator qualification after.
Has this apprenticeship helped prepare you for your career? How?
Yes defiantly because without the level 3 qualification there would be less opportunities for jobs. A level 3 opens up a lot of new career options and possibilities for continuing a career working with children.
What has been the best part of your apprenticeship so far?
Realising how much I actually enjoy working with children. Being apart of their learning journey and watching them grow is a privilege.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others? Why?
Choosing the apprenticeship route is a great way to earn while your learning. Being able to learn whilst doing the job is so much easier to understand than learning through textbook and classroom form. You cant really learn something until your truly doing the job itself.