<p>I began the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; Level 3 course at Weston College straight after finishing school. Many placements were offered throughout the course to help give an insight into what working in this field would be like, including the responsibilities and daily tasks of the nursery practitioners.</p>

<p>My first placement on the course with Weston College was at Little Bears Day Nursery, which then allowed me to return to work there full-time after I qualified. I have now been there for almost 5 years. Throughout that time, I have been able to progress from room support to Key Worker, and then again to Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo).</p>

<p>I think work experience benefits the learning experience at Weston College hugely, as it helped me understand how much more goes into being a practitioner in a nursery, including the impact and responsibility you have for the children that we look after. Placements at Little Bears hugely benefit the learners as they can see how we work with the children, and help gain confidence to achieve good communication with the parents and other practitioners.</p>

<p>In order to enhance their college journey, a learner can experience a more hands-on and practical experience in a work environment, whilst learning and doing the job. It can show them how to work as part of a team and building good relationships with colleagues and professionals. In this field in particular, it allows the learner to deeper understand many aspects including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), taking good quality observations, and working with children of all ages and developmental needs.</p>

<p>As a local employer and a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> endorser, I would expect learners to be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude when coming into this workplace, with a passion to work with children and eager to learn new things. I very much look forward to taking on new learners on placement and hopefully, in the future, taking them on as employees!</p>

<p><em>Kayleigh and Kim, Little Bears Nursery</em></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">We love a good progression story!</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Studying degree programmes has never been more convenient with higher education provider <a href="www.ucw.ac.uk">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> on our doorstep. This means learners can study all the way up to degree level whilst staying at home, saving money and still getting an outstanding qualification.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Early Years student Lacey progressed from her Level 3 course at Weston College to the<a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/early-years-fda/"&gt; Early Years and Education FdA</a> at UCW in September 2021. She told us all about her journey so far:</p>

<p><em>"I studied Level 3 in Children’s Play, Learning and Development at Weston College. I was inspired to study at HE&nbsp;due to my love of learning and wanting to push myself further to succeed. </em></p>

<p><em>"I decided to stay at UCW&nbsp;to gain this further knowledge as many people recommended&nbsp;it to me including friends, it also meant I could stay at home to complete&nbsp;my studies which has been great.</em></p>

<p>Since Lacey studied at Weston College, the Level 3 programme she studied has since been replaced by a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Level qualification</a>. As well as brand new facilities, the has department has also benefitted from the introduction of the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-01/84501_Weston%20Col… Careers Excellence Hub</a>, endorsed by employers to ensure the courses are relevant to the industry and to maximise opportunities!</p>

<p>Lacey continues:</p>

<p><em>"So far,&nbsp;I am loving the course at UCW, the methods of teaching&nbsp;vary,&nbsp;and I think that&nbsp;is&nbsp;really good. There is a nice&nbsp;balance of discussion, lectures,&nbsp;and guest lecturers throughout the course. </em></p>

<p><em>"I am hoping to go&nbsp;on&nbsp;to do the full BA honours degree and search for work within the family support sector&nbsp;as a long-term&nbsp;career, I am&nbsp;hoping to have a placement based in this area to help me gain experience."</em></p>

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<p>Thanks for sharing Lacey, we can't wait to hear more about your future successes!&nbsp;</p>

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