TRAINING
From nervous to confident…
We find out how Alliance learner Kristie grew her confidence via the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Early Years Qualification
Kristie had been working as part of the breakfast and after school club team for around four years, fitting her work around her own children. However, in September, she took on a new role as an early years practitioner in the pre-school and enrolled on the Level 3 Working in the Early Years Sector (EYE) qualification. With no previous formal early years training but a passion for helping young children thrive, Kristie was ready to take the next step in her career.
The challenge
"Balancing work, family life and study can be challenging at times, but a good routine helps", Kristie shares. "All the assessors are so supportive and understanding of family commitments – support is always there if needed, just a phone call away."
Having previously completed a L2 Counselling course, Kristie is committed to achieving her qualification and progressing in her careers, despite the juggling act.
The support provided
From the beginning, Kristie received information, advice and guidance to ensure she was on the correct course for her professional development. She attended an induction and began monthly Alliance Virtual Classroom (VC) sessions, which she describes as "informative, supportive and easy to follow".
These sessions provide the teaching needed for written assignments, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Kristie is also supported by a dedicated assessor who offers detailed, encouraging feedback and regular progress reviews. Through EYA Learn, she has access to engaging online learning materials and has taken the opportunity to extend her learning beyond the baseline foundations, completing more CPD courses than required to deepen her understanding.
“ I feel I’ve gained a really solid foundation, building my confidence, and the support is incredible ”
Applying knowledge in practice
Kristie has enjoyed applying her learning in the workplace, creating and implementing activity plans during a workplace observation, while gaining confidence in planning, delivery, and evaluation: "I feel more confident in my practice; I know I’m doing the right thing, and I’m confident speaking to parents. I really feel I’m making a difference."
The course experience
Kristie particularly enjoys the research aspect of the course: "You get a solid foundation in the VC sessions, then you can go off in the direction you like. I recently explored the ‘curiosity’ approach – I love learning, that’s my favourite part."
She also enjoys the EYA Learn CPD courses, praising both their helpful recap features and the clear, engaging format.
Progress in the setting
Since starting the course, Kristie has taken on the key worker role and is gradually supporting more children. She is now involved in the planning of activities and feels her confidence has grown immensely as a result.
Regarding the effect of the training and her role, Kristie says: "Starting the course as an older learner with a family was quite scary, but it was also an important career move. I feel I’ve gained a really solid foundation, building my confidence, and the support is incredible – every question is valid, and nothing is too trivial to ask.
“If you’re working in early years and want to move forward, this course gives you everything. You’ll grow so much – not just as a practitioner, but as a person, too.”
If you’re working in early years and want to move forward, the NCFE CACHE Level 3 TOE for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) (Diploma) could be your turning point.
Enquire today and start your journey toward a more confident, impactful career in early years education: bit.ly/U5-NCFE-L3.