Child-friendly education

Posted on Monday 8th February 2010

Work that began as  voluntary is now set to be a full-time career for mother of three, Judith Robinson, following a return to higher education. Manager of a pre-school playgroup, Judith has just completed her foundation degree in Early Years and is now studying for a BA in Childhood Studies.

Judith first got involved with the Embsay and Eastby Pre-School Playgroup as a parent on the management committee, but prior experience gained from a diploma in pre-school education led to her being taken on as a part-time administrator.

It was around the same time that she saw an advert for a Foundation Degree in Early Years at Craven College and decided to apply.

“I thought the degree would enable me to develop my practice and experience to better support the playgroup and the children,” she says. “In the end it’s done far more than that – it’s really been life changing.”

Judith was granted a place following an interview and assessment of her previous qualifications. Although initially she was very nervous about going back to studying, it’s actually given a huge boost to her confidence.

“Part of the course involved reflecting on your past, which made me look differently at my life and give greater value to my experience,” she explains. “I did find being a student again quite an emotional rollercoaster, as at times juggling studying with family and work commitments proved difficult. But the staff at the college were hugely supportive.”

Judith found it inspiring to see how what she learnt at college could have an immediate impact on her work and on the children.

“The course has given me an in-depth knowledge of how children learn, and how I can help them do that,” she says. “The sector is heavily regulated and the course is underpinned by all the legislation around safeguarding children. It really brought home to me how important my job is and that if I do it well, I can see the benefit that it brings to the children.”

Judith completed the three-year, part-time course with a distinction and was promoted to a part-time job as the playgroup’s manager. She is now on a degree course at Leeds Metropolitan University which she hopes will lead to Early Years Professional Status.

“Professional status in the sector is becoming very important, so it made sense to continue,” she says. “Plus I’ve found I enjoy the studying! Luckily I’m at a period in my life when my children are becoming more independent and I have the time to do it.

“I’d recommend a similar course to anyone. I worried at first that I was too old to start again, but if I succeed in getting qualified now, it means that when my children leave home I’ll be one hundred per cent ready to go onto the full-time jobs market.”

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