Hi, my name is Claire Fitzgerald and I am a graduate from the Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) course at Birmingham City University (BCU). I completed my degree in July 2017.
I have just secured a job working with Busy Bees Training Academy; they deliver bespoke training to Early Years staff and other care providers. My role as a Training Officer is to go out to all of these settings within my area and plan, develop and assess trainees to complete their childcare qualifications. The qualifications I oversee range from Early Years Educator Level 2 right up to Management Level 5, which is foundation degree level.
My Studies at University have helped me when working with my learners. I have developed my understanding of the Early Years to help and support staff within nurseries and schools develop their understanding and roles within their own settings. I have also gained valuable experiences of teaching post 16 from the lecturers at university. I have picked up techniques from their teaching styles to use when delivering sometimes complex ideas to my learners.
I have always lived in Birmingham and being a mature student with children it has always made sense to stay close to home. I am lucky that the closest university is Birmingham City University (BCU). I have worked with experienced professional, my lecturers, who are all experts within the field of Early Years. If ever, and not very often there was a question on a topic there was always someone on hand who knew the area could help resolve an issue, this even extended to IT support and the staff within the libraries. I have really enjoyed my time at BCU.
I have always worked within Early Years before deciding to complete my degree, What I have enjoyed the most was developing the theory that has sat along my practice. Starting out in Early Years via a practical based qualification had always been very valuable, but my degree has allowed me to extend my knowledge and now has allowed me to go back to settings and support the next generation of Early Years Professionals.
My plans for the future are to develop in my new role as a Training Officer. Busy Bees have also supported me in undergoing my MA in Education at Birmingham City University. I am hoping this will now support my new role and develop me as a teacher of post 16 qualifications. I am looking forward to working with the lecturers again to develop me as a Level 7 practitioner within Early Years settings across the Midlands.
