Anonymous

Details

Skills

I believe my degree BA (Cons) Early Years combined with 28 years of working with young children enables me to say I have the necessary background and skills to apply for this role.

Additionally, my work as a mentor for 7 years in ensuring that 21 apprentices successfully achieved their goals of passing an early years qualification. Additionally my experience as an Early Years Lecturer for the TA College enabled me to blend my pedagogical expertise, in depth child development knowledge and strong interpersonal skills to train future practitioners.

I have a deep understanding of early years frameworks, educational standards and assessment strategies.

I am comfortable with course design and delivery and an ability to develop engaging evidence based and practical learning materials.

I am skilled in understanding how to teach attachments theories, child development and pedagogy to adult learners.

I am skilled in monitoring learner progress, marking and providing constructive feedback.

I have excellent verbal and written skills for teaching and presenting and mentoring.

I am definitely a people person and work very well with colleagues and have very good partnerships with early years settings.

I have worked with a wide and diverse range of students and am sensitive to cultural differences and the backgrounds of learners.

I have proven organisational skills, can manage my work load and plan effectively and always meet deadlines.

I am proficient in using computers, and specific software such as Tapestry, See Saw and have used digital portfolios before.

I am very intuitive and am able to modify my teaching methods to suit different learner needs and and keen to stay up to date with industry trends and research.

I take safeguarding very seriously and have proven evidence of my through knowledge of safeguarding, child protection policies and safety requirements.

I am absolutely committed to promoting inclusivity and anti discriminatory practice.

About

I am most interested in applying for this role as an Early Years Lecturer because I it provides me with the next step in my educational journey. I believe my BA (Hons) in Early Years and 28 years of experience working with young children will enable me to transition well into this Early Years Lecturer role and enable me to combine my knowledge and experience and help me to shape the next generation of childcare professionals.

Having worked in early years settings and schools for many years, due to a move with my husband’s work I was approached and enjoyed my brief foray into an Early Years Lecturer role. This role enabled me to travel worldwide delivering bespoke training and having a number of my own students and enabled me to focus on delivering the theory and practical skills required for vocational qualifications. This desire to influence the next generation of early educators was recognised by my headmaster. When we opened a brand-new Kindergarten which I designed from the outset, I suggested that we liaise with Loughborough College and employ some early years apprentices. Whilst working as an Early Years Teacher I also became head of my school’s apprenticeship scheme. I managed 3 (18 to 21 year-old apprentices) each year for seven years as they navigated full time work in my Kindergarten and followed their rigorous study programmes whilst working in a setting. This also involved working in collaboration with their training college and supervising the teaching and delivery across a number of Early Years Programmes.
Indeed, I myself studied with The Open University and then went on to achieve QTS with the University of Wolverhampton. Additionally, as an Early Years Lecturer for the TA College, I managed approximately 45 16 to 40-year-olds who elected to complete their CACHE Levels 1 to 5 Teaching Assistant qualification online. I taught them the core curriculum, acted as a personal tutor, provided pastoral care, tracked progress and conducted tutorials to support academic and professional development. During assessment and marking of coursework I provided constructive feedback on essays and lessons. During my time at the TA College and as part of the Curriculum Development team I wrote and designed engaging course materials ensuring the curriculum remained aligned with latest Early Years Foundation Stage frameworks and industry standards.
My husband once worked for Pearson, the global education giants and I have been very interested in how schools and universities create, design, produce and deliver the distance learning materials and use blended technology-enhanced approaches. I notice that this role includes developing teaching resources, contributing to curriculum and assessment design, supporting student learning through online engagement. Indeed, my courses were all achieved in the old-fashioned way but when I was working for the TA College it was necessary to learn to use digital portfolios.
I loved my time supporting students and helping them navigate the unique challenges faced in a range of academic settings, including school, further or higher education. It’s so important to help students to develop the necessary skills and mindset to excel academically, socially, and personally. By providing support, guidance, and accountability, I empowered students to overcome obstacles, navigate timelines, pass their courses and reach their full potential.
I believe supporting learners is a personalised and collaborative process between a student and their teacher. It involves setting specific goals, creating action plans, and regularly checking in to monitor progress. Mentors use a variety of techniques such as goal setting, time management strategies, and mindset shifts to help students develop key skills that lead to academic success.
Mentors and coaches can significantly impact students’ progress across different educational stages. At school and 6th form, coaches help students develop good study habits and time management skills. At the university level, coaching can assist students in balancing coursework, internships, and social activities. Further education college students benefit from coaching by gaining clarity on career goals and developing the skills necessary for the workforce.
With the guidance and support of a Lecturer, students can learn effective study skills, time management techniques, and exam preparation strategies that can significantly improve their academic performance.
My experiences as a Boarding tutor, apprenticeship mentor, Early Years Lecturer, Primary School Teacher and now Tutor has led me to believe that being an educator is not just about academics; it also focuses on personal development. Lecturers help students build confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other valuable life skills that can benefit them personally and professionally. Many students struggle with building and maintaining relationships. Student coaching can help improve social skills, increase self-confidence, and foster healthy connections with peers.
I worked closely with students to set goals that are specific, achievable, and measurable. By regularly checking in on progress, they hold students accountable for their actions, leading to a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Students often face major transitions, such as leaving secondary school, going to college/ 6th Form or transitioning to university. A good Lecturer provides valuable support during these challenging times and helps students adjust and thrive in their new environment.
My experience of supporting learners has also taught met the importance of self-care and strategies for mental health. By developing resilience, the ability to navigate successfully setbacks and challenges. This skill can be beneficial for navigating academic or personal difficulties. I believe in evaluating the student's current situation, strengths, and areas they are struggling with to find practical solutions. By developing personalised action plans to achieve these goals Providing ongoing support and holding students accountable for their progress.
I believe my innate human skills such as kindness, compassion and empathy have always enabled me to elevate children and young people around me and I believe my ability to connect with others is a gift. Indeed, I have used these skills to connect with a number of children I currently work with by breaking down barriers and giving them the skills to see themselves as learners, gain confidence and move forward because someone believes in them.
I would relish the opportunity to work as an Early Years Lecturer and using my characteristic natural charisma and joy I would utilities all my years of education in the classroom and as a Mentor and Early Years Lecturer to pass on all my expertise.

Many thanks.