We recently caught up with Kyra to hear about her inspiring journey into Early Years. From a long career in debt collection to becoming a registered childminder, Kyra shared how ACL Essex supported her every step of the way and why making the switch was one of the best decisions she’s ever made. Read on to hear what Kyra has to say.
“I decided to work in Early Years, as this really fitted around my life; it was convenient and allowed me to take care of my children and work at the same time. I had always loved working with children, even when I had my own, and watching them learn, grow, and being able to have that massive impact on their learning.
After leaving school, I was a debt collector for 17 years, which, especially during COVID, was a lot of working from home. There was a lot less socialising, unlike the socialising I get to do now as a childminder and working in Early Years. It also was difficult to get childcare as a debt collector, whereas when I became a childminding assistant, I was able to take care of my children at the same time; it was really convenient.
I have previously completed ACL’s Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare and further accessed funding from their Gateway to Childminding programme to cover the initial costs of myself starting up as a childminder. I had previously looked at ACL when I was planning to work in a school and saw their teaching assistant courses, and since then I had always had ACL in the back of my mind for my training needs.
I am currently a registered childminder, and since becoming a childminder independently, I have learnt skills in areas such as child development, the EYFS framework, how to register to become a childminder, starting up a business, and the financial aspects of running a business such as handling expenses.
Looking into the future, I really want to do the Level 3 SENCO in Early Years training to become a SENCO in my setting, as a lot more children with Special Educational Needs are coming through, and I would like to have the knowledge on how to support them.
To anyone thinking of starting a career in Early Years, I would say: do it! From my previous role as a debt collector, I hit a stage where I was stuck in a bit of a rut and wanted to take the gamble of becoming a childminder. It was one of the best decisions I have made and is such a rewarding job. I love the impact I can have on the children’s lives and watching them grow, but also working with children who are more vulnerable and supporting them to grow.
The Gateway to Childminding funding and my Level 3 Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare course has supported me very much, especially financially, as this has helped me to become a registered childminder and support with the initial costs even before the OFSTED registration. It has been amazing.
I would like to say, lots of credit to my tutor Jude, she was amazing and helped me through the course. Thanks, Jude!”
If Kyra’s story has inspired you to start your own journey in Early Years, explore our offer, fully funded by the Poppins Early Years Bursary and discover how ACL Essex can help you take the first step toward a rewarding career.
