With a young child, Claire was familiar with the childcare setting and volunteered at her daughter’s nursery, where she enjoyed assisting with the children. It was from there that her ease, confidence, and natural abilities with the children was picked up by one of the practitioners. With a little encouragement Claire enrolled in the NC Early Education and Childcare course.

Speaking to Claire she said, “Having worked in retail most of my working life, I was ready for a change, so when lockdown hit and I was furloughed for a long period of time, I decided to take the leap and apply for the NC course.

‘I haven’t studied since I was 22, when I completed my degree, so I was nervous about it. With everything being online I had to get to grips with new technology but as soon as we got started on the course content, I knew I’d made the right decision.

‘My favourite part of the course was the research aspect. I loved learning about child development, the theories behind it and how this is supported by the practitioner role through play. Having a daughter, I had an insight into children and how they grow and develop, which I think gave me a bit of confidence that I knew what I was doing.

Also being on placement in the HNC was great. Getting to know lots of different children and building relationships with them was absolutely fantastic – it’s a very rewarding job.

Claire who has secured a job as an Early Years Play Worker, has proven that with hard work, commitment and determination you can do anything you put your mind to.

Claire continued, “I’m so excited and relieved to have secured this job. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. It’s a great industry to get in to with lots of employment opportunities.

Securing this job has made all the hard work and sacrifice worthwhile. I feel so lucky at this age to have a new career.

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