Winner of the Anna Hooper Aspiration Prize 2023: Chloe Bridge

Chloe Bridge BA(Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families

My philosophy of education has always centred upon enabling children to achieve their full potential and develop their unique identities. This derives from having positive memories of my own school life, where I always felt supported, encouraged and understood by my teachers and educational professionals.

School environments were places where I felt safe and secure to explore, play and learn, due to living in an area of deprivation, where it was deemed to be unsafe to be outdoors and play independently with my peers. In reflection, this created anxiety towards being alone in my home community, although I see myself as a very independent person. My ambition is to support children to become resilient and independent, feeling safe and secure in their environments.

I always strive to advance my knowledge and capabilities. Since leaving school I have remained in education, completing extra courses alongside my profession as a senior preschool practitioner. I am the first person to graduate in my family, and I have pride in consistently taking responsibility for my professional learning and development. 

I am particularly committed to inspiring children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with difficult home lives. It is important to me to spread the message that everyone is capable of achieving success in their lives.

Chloe studied the Foundation Degree Early Years at our partner college Halesowen College, then completed the BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families. Course leader Angela Hodgkins said: ‘Chloe was a wonderful student and I have no doubt that she will make a positive difference to many children in her future teaching career. This award is very well deserved, and I am delighted for her’.

Chloe provided @UWDCF with an update on her journey through Higher Education to the teaching in a primary school (November 2024).

The Integrated Working with Children and Families (IWCF) top up degree provided me with a secure foundation before deciding on my chosen career in working with children. The IWCF not only prepares you for differing avenues of work with children and families, but it gives you a wide range of perspectives and scenarios that you will take on with you into your chosen career.

I personally decided that Primary Teaching was the perfect pathway for me to pursue, as educating children has always been my passion. Therefore, I continued my studies with the University of Worcester and completed my PGCE.

I am now in my first ECT year in Primary Teaching as a KS2 SEND teacher. My knowledge and experiences from the IWCF degree are used daily within my teaching role. IWCF sets you up for a lifelong career in working with young people and their families, no matter what avenue you choose!

If you’re interested in finding out more about the BA(Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families Top up degree, visit our webpage.