Early Years Students Welcome Guest Speaker

Early Years Level 2 and T Level Year 1 and Year 2 students came together and benefitted from a fascinating session delivered by Rachel Helm of Helm Education Consultancy. The session helped give background and real-life experience to modules surrounding SEND and working in partnership with parents, carers, and other education professionals.

Helm Education Consultancy aim to provide personalised tuition services to a diverse range of students, with a focus on young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND), not in education or training (NEET), and home education, or those requiring education other than at school (EOTAS). They offer key support to ensure people know how to get the support they need in education.

Rachel gave the students and introduction to her background and inspiration, before encouraging students in a variety of group work. Rachel touched upon the inspiration of her own son, who lives with cerebral palsy and autistic spectrum disorder.

Rachel said, “I have had to fight for my son, for his education and support – I was fortunate in that I knew the education system. My experience and personal experience mean I’m uniquely placed to help others get the support they need.”

The session encouraged some fascinating and innovative discussion amongst the students, drawing on their own experiences – both in the classroom and on placement – to look at designing programmes of support.

Hannah Puente, Lecturer in Early Years said, “Providing learners with external speakers, such as Rachel Helm, offers valuable real-world insight into the profession and exposes them to different perspectives and up-to-date industry knowledge. These sessions help students make meaningful links between their classroom learning and placement experience. They also support the development of confidence, motivation, employability skills, and awareness of future career opportunities.”

Find out more about Early Years at Craven College.