Life is a continuous journey of learning. When I graduated from Brunel University with a B.Ed honours degree 20 or so years ago, I knew that I would go on various courses as part of my continued professional development. I never thought that I would be burying my head in textbooks again. But here I am, on the EYPS course with Best Practice Network.
My background has always been in education, in some way, shape or form. My experience ranges from teaching at a primary school in London, at an International primary school abroad, an English enrichment centre, a child development unit within a hospital and as a positive parenting advisor.
The switch from teaching older children to being interested in early years arose when I moved back to the UK and had my own children. I started taking my two boys to a Sure Start children's centre and was pleasantly surprised at all the support and wonderful activities available for parents/carers and children under 5. When my older son started attending pre-school, I became even more interested in the provision for early years.
Since starting the course and being on placement, I have been humbled by the high quality practice that I have observed. The sensitive nurturing of young minds and the meticulous, organised way practitioners seem to effortlessly put the EYFS themes and commitments into practice leave me in awe of the EYPs at the setting. It has given me valuable experience of engaging with practitioners whilst learning from them, as well as a great insight into the early years' profession.
The road to achieving Early Years Professional Status is intense and challenging but I look forward to my journey of learning.