We recently caught up with learner Amanda, who shared her inspiring journey from working with horses to becoming an Early Years Practitioner. After losing her job and seeking advice from her daughter’s school, Amanda discovered the opportunity to retrain through ACL. With support from the Poppins Early Years bursary, Amanda embraced the challenge of returning to education and has since completed her Level 2 Diploma. Read on to learn more about her journey.
Introduction: A New Direction
I previously worked with horses for 10 years, but I wanted a change in the type of work I was doing and the workplace. I had lost my job, and I asked for help from my daughter’s school about opportunities I could pursue. They mentioned working with early years and said they could support my training, covered under ACL.
Returning to Learning
I have recently completed my Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner. It was strange going back to studying, it was all very different and challenging at times, but I have enjoyed learning within my setting and being able to fit this around my family. I chose ACL specifically as the employer recommended it, and funding the course myself would not have been possible.
Working in Early Years
I currently work as an Early Years Practitioner, and I have definitely learned a lot since training with ACL and working in my setting, especially about teamwork and being part of a team within early years. My previous role involved more sole responsibility, whereas in early years, there are lots of people passing information to each other, and communication is key. I’ve also learned not to worry about making a fuss and that everyone listens to my concerns. I am more patient with people, the parents I engage with, and the children I support since undergoing my training. I’ve also gained more knowledge about child development and now understand the scientific aspects behind looking after children.
Supporting Children with SEN
While working in the early years sector, I enjoy working with children with SEN within the setting and seeing how certain adjustments are made to support them. I’ve found that working with children with SEN makes you much more accepting, whereas when I was younger, this was often just seen as being “naughty.” I’ve gained a much better understanding of how SEN works and the spectrum, and I’ve learned that no SEN child is the same. Often, working with younger children with SEN leads me to think about how I can get the best for them.
The course has massively improved my knowledge and given me the confidence to help the next child that comes along.
Future Goals and Ambitions
By completing my training with ACL, I am looking to progress onto the Level 3 Diploma for working in the Early Years sector, and possibly after that, take more of a focus on the SEN aspect of early years. I am planning on learning Makaton to support some of the non-verbal SEN children who often come through the baby room.
Why Early Years is Worth It
To anyone thinking about working in early years, it is definitely worth doing. Whether it’s your passion or not, it also helps manage everyday life alongside your own children. For example, school holidays and half-terms align with my children’s time off from school, and it also helps with supporting behaviour at home. It’s just a lovely thing to do and has given me a better life balance and improved mental health. Working in early years is a challenge, but a great challenge, and it does a lot of good for your mental health.
Financial Support & The ACL Poppins Bursary
The Poppins Early Years bursary has definitely benefited me financially. When I was researching, there were so many courses available, and I didn’t know where to start, they were very expensive. When the school informed me of the funding, I thought, “I haven’t got anything to lose.” Now that I know I want to work within the Early Years sector moving forward, it’s comforting to know there is further funding available for the future and my career. Otherwise, I would’ve had to go back to my old career.
To ACL, I have been happy with everything since starting my course and taking that step of going back into education. My tutor was lovely.
Additionally, working in the early years sector has been a really nice career change, I didn’t realise how much I needed it and having the opportunity for it to be funded made it even better.
Feeling Inspired? Start Your Journey Today
Feeling inspired by Amanda’s journey? Explore our range of funded courses and discover how ACL can support your next step. Whether you’re looking for a career change, personal development, or a better work-life balance. With flexible learning and dedicated tutors, your future in early years could be just one course away.
