Clare Sargent (née Wetherell)
Having always known that I wished to work with children, I decided to apply for my Diploma in Nursery Nursing. Over the two year training period, I found my initial interest and understanding of child care deepened by both the theoretical and practical content of the training received. I have now had eight years post graduation experience working in schools and with families, and have just completed a degree in Early Childhood Studies and Education at Roehampton University. I firmly believe that the knowledge and experience I received during my nursery nursing training has been an excellent foundation to my career as an early years practitioner.
In retrospect, I can appreciate the highly structured nature and content of the Course offered by our tutors, who were dedicated to providing and receiving quality results from their efforts. The Course was taught extremely effectively by highly qualified and motivated staff. Now that I have done my degree, I recognize the breadth of subject knowledge taught, covering every aspect of child health and care and child development. In addition to this, theory was brought alive by plenty of well chosen practical assignments both as part of the College curriculum as well as external placements. The training I received reflected commitment and attention to detail. Expectations of each student were very high, but without exception I always received the support I needed both academically and whilst on placement.
The emphasis on high standards was by no means unrealistic, although often challenging! However, it is both interesting and encouraging that the standards expected have never left me, and I strive for those standards still.
In conclusion, my two year DNN training was extremely positive; a brilliant start to my career as an early years practitioner.