Throughout my professional journey, I have gained extensive experience working with young adults and children with special educational needs for over 10 years. I have also dedicated time to supporting lifelong learning skills with adults in the community. Currently, I am a SEN teacher at an independent special school. While I possessed a qualification in education and training that allowed me to teach, I wanted to further my knowledge and skills in early childhood education and care. This was primarily driven by the fact that a significant portion of my work closely aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the development of skills that may have been overlooked.

Enrolling in the early childhood development course proved to be an ideal decision. It allowed me to expand my knowledge while continuing to work full-time. The appeal of this course extended beyond the convenience of balancing work and studies. It also offered a deeper understanding of child development and how it can be effectively integrated into my current role. Moreover, having a degree to validate my extensive experience working with children would be invaluable to progress in my career.

Undoubtedly, the course has presented its fair share of challenges. Still, it has also been an engaging and immensely rewarding experience. The timing of my enrolment coincided with the height of the coronavirus pandemic, which introduced a great deal of anxiety for both students and staff. However, the faculty exhibited exceptional adaptability, ensuring that learning and course delivery remained effective. The transition back to classroom-based learning, when it was possible, was handled with utmost care and consideration. I attribute much of the course's success to the highly motivated and qualified teaching staff, who not only had a genuine interest in the subject matter but were also passionate about their role as educators. Their dedication facilitated a deeper level of learning through engaging discussions, collaborative group work, and informative presentations. As a result, my confidence has grown significantly alongside my knowledge.

Photo of Mark and family on a beach front

Throughout the course, a diverse range of topics and areas have been covered. Noteworthy modules include an exploration of how children learn and develop; a particular interest of mine was language development in the first year. The second year delved into the significance of safety and risk in early learning spaces, highlighting the benefits of allowing children to take risks. Finally, the third year focused on leadership in the early childhood context, encouraging self-reflection and examining the qualities that define a good leader. I derived immense value from this particular module.

Being a student while simultaneously fulfilling the responsibilities of a father and full-time teacher comes with its own set of unique challenges. Nonetheless, I am fortunate to have an incredible support system in place. My wife and workplace provide support, enabling me to manage my time effectively and ensure that neither my family nor my professional commitments are neglected. Integrating academic learning into my daily life has become seamless. However, the reduced reading and writing feels somewhat unfamiliar during summer, but the break is nice.

One of the most surprising discoveries I made on this course was recognising my academic capabilities. Like many individuals balancing work and family life, I initially had concerns about devoting sufficient time and effort to my studies. However, with the exceptional teaching methods employed by the faculty and the unwavering support provided, I achieved good grades and gained confidence in my academic abilities. This experience has been truly transformative.

When I initially enrolled in this course, my primary objective was to obtain a degree that would enhance my career prospects, potentially opening doors to teaching in a mainstream school focusing on preschool or reception classes. However, as my knowledge and skills have flourished throughout the course, and after numerous discussions with my lecturers, I have realised that my abilities may be better suited to delivering education at a higher or further education level. This is not to say that I will never pursue Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or seek new challenges in the future. For now, my career path and personal interests are guiding me towards a different direction. I am grateful to the lecturers who have nurtured my growth and instilled unwavering belief in my potential. I take immense pride in reaching this significant point in my journey and eagerly anticipate continuing to expand my knowledge and skills through this exceptional course.