Sarah
I started my childcare and education career later in my life after deciding age 5 that I wanted to work in the police! After completing a degree in Criminology, I did just that, and after having my second baby (a baby who is nearly 11 now!) I decided to make a career change to becoming a childminder.
Fast forward a couple of years and I began working casually at the local early years setting, in my second year I completed my level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and enrolled immediately at at Reading University on the Post Graduate Certificate in Early Years Practice/Early Years Teacher course. This course inspired me to be not only the best teacher I can be, but to pursue as much learning possible into the development of children and leadership within the sector. It came as no surprise to anybody that before I had completed the course (with “outstanding” awarded in all areas) I had already applied to Reading University for a place in the Masters in Education course. With that now completed and moving into my 11th year of working directly with children in the setting, I have my heart set on the EdD/PhD programme… One day!
Favourite bit about the job: I love working as part of a team which makes a lasting impression and a noticeable difference in a child’s life. We see children enter our setting on their first day usually aged 2, and we wave them off as school starters a couple of years later. During that time I love to see them explore the setting and all of the opportunities we offer: USports, Theatrikids, Louis Taylor Roadshow, visits from the emergency services, to name but a few. I love watching the children grow their independence and believe in themselves, giving everything a go, trying new things, developing a confidence and a “yes I can!” attitude. And of course I love to see the children achieve what they have set out to do. Whether that’s opening a packet at lunchtime, recognising their name for the first time, becoming “signer of the week”, preparing some food to take home, or winning musical statues, having a child run to me and hearing them say “Sarah! I did it!” With their faces full of pride, will never get boring, I’m lucky enough that I get to relive those moments everyday when sharing with the parents and carers at handover, and again when I type up an observation! Overall I think my most favourite thing about the career I have chosen is that everyday is different, I’ve never had a boring day at work and I’ve never had a day when the children haven’t made me belly laugh for one reason or another.
Qualifications in early years: Early Years Teacher
Experience of looking after children(years): This is my 11th year working with children in the setting
Favourite dinosaur: Any child in our setting will be able to tell you that it is of course a Tri-SARAH-tops!
Favourite colour: As leader for the “red” group, I should really say red is my favourite, but the truth is that that’s probably my second favourite - don’t tell anyone but I like turquoise best! It reminds my of a hummingbird or a tranquil lake.
Favourite food: I love figs! I have a fig tree in my garden (Little Miss Figgy) who I hope one day will bear some delicious, juicy fruit. I love baked figs too, especially in a lamb tagine.
Fun fact: I love building Lego and spent some years of my life working at Legoland, which to this day remains one of my happiest places on Earth