My goal of working with children helped push aside my learning disability

ClaireStephanie writes about her journey to getting a job in childcare.

True Stories

Looking after children all day takes patience.

Establishing a Support Network

I have always had an interest in working with children. When I started secondary school though, I found it really difficult when we were set tasks and work in lessons. This was happening because of my learning disability which I hoped I would get more help for and perhaps some encouragement. Unfortunately my teachers were not very supportive. They didn’t understand my needs and didn’t know how to help me.

I actually received more support from my family. My sister used to help me a lot with my work so I put my head down and got on with the work as best I could. One way around the struggle I found was to focus on what I wanted to achieve long term. I focusing on my dream of working with children. My family knew how passionate I was. My brother and sister would sit with me and help me for ages until I was confident enough to do my work on my own.

I knew what I wanted to do so I took childcare as an option for one of my GCSE’s. This subject was my first step on the way to my long term goal.

Overcoming Barriers

The next obstacle I faced were the grades I got when leaving school. I didn’t think the school would encourage me to apply and attend college to do a childcare course. This made me feel quite worried and upset because I wanted this opportunity so much, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goal. The grades I got in my exams weren’t what I had expected, but this made me think and made me feel more determined.

I went along to sign up with the course anyway and wasn’t sure what response I would get back. While I was waiting I felt really anxious and nervous but I also felt excited about the possibility of starting the course. To my surprise I was offered a place on the childcare course and things began to look up!

I started my Level 1 in Childcare at college. I really enjoyed doing it as it gave me the chance and opportunity to get a lot of knowledge about children’s development in both the practical and theoretical sides of things.

Moving on up!

I then moved onto a Level 2 in Childcare. We were given harder assignments to complete and were also told to go onto placements. I found the course challenging, however the support I received at college was amazing. I was given one to one support with assignments, and also the group I was in for the course wasn’t a big group and the tutor was very supportive of my needs.

College found me a placement that I loved. It allowed me to work with children and get a feel for my career. I enjoyed being able to plan activities and really watch how the children play and learn. I was awarded my Level 2 in Childcare and Education.

A new opportunity

Shortly after finishing college I started to do some bank staff work, at a local nursery. My sister was the manager there and she spoke to the owner, I was asked to go in a few times to help out. Bank staff means that you go and cover when staff are off. My qualification helped me in my role because I had the knowledge and could now put it into practice.

This was a great experience for me. I was given the opportunity to work hands on with the children, get stuck into planning activities and watch the children grow and develop new skills. I was also given the chance to learn more about partnership with parents and carers and this came as a new skill to me. After a while of being bank staff, I was offered a full time position at the Nursery. I was so happy :D.

A confident me

I have been at the nursery coming up to 5 years now. I have achieved my NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. I’m currently based in the 2-3 year olds room and I love it. It’s very challenging but extremely rewarding, and this is the side of the job I mostly enjoy. For example, seeing a child who didn’t have the confidence to play alongside others, or really communicate with others, now coming over to staff and saying our names, and joining in with small group times. With support they have gained confidence, and it’s amazing to see.

Never Give up

I have learnt that it’s important to not let things stand in your way, and that you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it, and have determination. So, if you’re struggling at college or school it’s really worth talking to your tutors to find out what support is available and to take whatever is offered! Having a learning disability doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goals.

Picture posed by models