Clare Pope (née Giles)
The training I received at College in my opinion was superb. I wanted a course that gave practical experience and theory and this training met both these needs effectively.
I was fortunate to have a whole variety of lectures in all areas of child care that spanned over the two years. These lectures ranged from learning about the crucial development of children aged 0-7 years 11 months, to learning how to prepare weaning foods for babies and even wiring a plug ! Our training also covered other vital areas such as Information Technology; First Aid and Food Hygiene. I still refer to the knowledge taught in these areas on a daily basis.
I also attended a whole variety of different placements. They included a special needs school; nurseries; infant schools; a hospital and a family placement. Whilst I was attending placements I would receive regular visits from my tutors at College to help me monitor my progress and support me. As part of my training I was required to wear a uniform whilst carrying out practical training both in College and out of College. This set a good standard from the start and always ensured that we were respected and treated as professionals by other people.
Tutors from all walks of life were asked to teach us. We had a qualified Social Worker for Social Studies; an ex- Head Teacher of a local infant school to teach Child Education and a qualified midwife; nursery nurse and teacher to teach us Health Studies. These tutors taught me more than any text book could have done. They taught us about real life with children!
Our training at College was not just about becoming a qualified nursery nurse; it was learning to become a qualified professional. From every angle of the training, professionalism was followed through to every last little detail.
The College set extremely high standards in child care. It gave us as students a real chance to come out on top in our profession. At the young age of eighteen years old I had little idea of the route my career in childcare would take. Now as a Manager of a brand new day nursery, I look back on my training with fond memories. I am also grateful as my training has given me a life-long passion to maintain these highest of professional standards as I continue my child care career.