Learner Story of the Month: May 2018

Name: Ms P

Project Participated: Childcare Plus Project and Employment Support

Dates: Sep 2015– Sep 2016

Background:

Ms P, of Bangladeshi ethnicity, is a mother of 4 children, the youngest in secondary school and eldest is a graduate. She has predominately been a homemaker most of her life. She has always wanted to work in a school but never had the opportunity due to family commitments. She has attended various short courses offered by her children’s schools. Prior to starting with the Childcare Plus Project she was volunteering at a primary school and involved in parental engagement work, as well joining a patient leadership programme.

Journey with Limehouse Project:

One day Ms P was online searching for jobs roles and courses in Tower Hamlets when she came across the CACHE level 2 we were offering and got in touch. After registering she started the CACHE Level 2 and the Capacity Building course.

As part of the project the client received one to one advice from the project worker who helped update her CV and gave her advice in relation to her professional development. During the session the client’s current skills were identified as well as the gaps and how to fill them. As the client did not have a GCSE in English she was referred to a Functional English course that she could do while waiting to enrol at the college. However due to timing and distance the client decided to defer attending the classes so she could focus her energy on completing her Level 2 qualification. Her personal issues around housing were also discussed and she was referred to the appropriate advisers.

The client completed her placement at a local primary school where she volunteered 2 days a week in two classes; a nursery class with children aged 3.5 to 4 years and a reception class with children aged 4 to 5 years. Ms P volunteered at the school for the full academic year.

Outcome and Progression:

The client successfully completed her CACHE Level 2 qualification in Early Years Education and Care (QCF). Although the client had experience with children, she discovered from her placement time that children warm very quickly to her. Even the shy children would approach her when they see her outside the classroom. This has given her the confidence to work with children and feels it is the right job for her.

She wanted to concentrate on finding work with the view to start the Level 3 qualification in 2017. She applied to two schools for a midday meal supervisor role and recently offered a job at one.

Ms P felt the project benefited her a lot in terms of ‘confidence building, speaking, learning new ideas, meeting new people and overall was a very positive experience’. One quote from her tutor that will stay with the client is “whatever happens in life, stay positive.”

 

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