Joanne Knight graduated from the FdA Early Years (0-8 years) Professional Practice. Here, she shares some of her thoughts about the course and her professional journey…
“Before embarking on my FDEY studies I had been working in Early Years for a number of years. I was also a qualified forest school leader so lead sessions with older children in primary school. I had always wanted to complete my degree so after having my 3 children I decided it was time to focus on my own career.
I have really enjoyed these past two years studying FDEY, especially the journey it has taken me on. Sharing experiences and personal stories has changed my focus and inspired me further to be an advocate for all children, especially children with SEND and mental health difficulties. I was able to research and focus upon topics which were significant to myself.
It has also made look at my own practice and the environment around the child in our setting. The course has given me the confidence to explain my opinions and make a difference to the children I teach. I was fortunate in my setting to be able to put some of my ideas into practice, creating a natural loose parts area in the classroom and improving our forest school area.
In this past year I have changed my job to work alongside children with SEND to extend my knowledge and improve my own practice before I go on to further my career. This is something I would have never thought of doing before starting the course but in a term, I have already learned so much.”
- Any advice for new students?
It sometimes feels like you’re drowning, and the words won’t flow, just take a breath or maybe a walk and remember just concentrate on one thing at a time. Everyone feels the same sometimes.
- What do you intend on doing after your FDEY studies?
I have always wanted to complete a degree so this year I have enrolled onto the top up course. I intend to follow this up either teacher training or following a career path working alongside children.