How did being an apprentice benefit you?
I was given a placement in Diamond Hall Infant Academy near Springboard training centre so I got practical experience while studying for my NVQ 3 in Childcare and Education. I was based there four days a week, and spent one day a week with my tutor. I had started at Level 2 with only one day a week on placement and realised I enjoyed that more than the academic side. The school I did my apprenticeship at offered me a job. After nine years of experience there as a special needs support assistant, a nursery nurse and a key worker in Reception and nursery, I thought I was ready and applied for the deputy manager job at Springboard training centre's nursery. We now have three apprentices training while doing their Level 3 qualification. We're always aware of what the girls are learning as members of staff. It's really nice to mould them into our practice and see them evolve.
What do you consider your biggest achievement at Sunderland Nursery as deputy manager?
We have done a lot of work on the environment. We have tried to make the place warm and inviting for the children to be in. We have been part of the ECAT (Every Child a Talker) programme. We often have children who are below the national average on talking and listening skills, so we work on growing their confidence in small group work through everyday practice.