Jennie Hurdiss reflects on her learning journey through Higher Education whilst studying at the University of Worcester on the FdA Early Year (0-8 years) Flexible and Distributed Learning pathway.
“Before enrolling at the University of Worcester, I worked as a level three practitioner for six years in an Early Years setting. Although I always had aspired to expand my studies at university, fear of the unknown held me back. However, in the summer of 2022, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. The flexible course structure was perfect for me as a working mum and a major selling point.
Having been out of formal education for a while, I was initially concerned about my English skills, a concept with which I have always struggled. Thankfully, the supportive tutors and the University resources helped me develop these skills significantly throughout the course. Sometimes, when reading my assignments, I struggle to believe I wrote them.
Time management proved to be my biggest challenge. Despite the course’s flexibility, it was intense, and balancing it with work-based commitments in busy settings was difficult. Nevertheless, I persevered and completed the course. Now, I am progressing onto the BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families Top up degree.
The course has made me reconsider my career aspirations. Initially, I wanted to go into Teaching, but now I am leaning more towards Social Work, although Early Years will always hold a special place in my heart. One of the most amazing things I gained from the Early Years course is the confidence to express my ideas in practice and implement changes to improve children’s opportunities. The course also gave a great insight into other job roles and how they are supportive for Early Years. I would recommend the course to anybody with a passion for Early Years looking to upskill however I would say do not underestimate the level of commitment needed whilst working. New students must always read, read, read, oh, and reference!”
To find out more about the FdA Early Years course, visit: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/early-years-0-8-foundation-degree-flexible-distributed-learning-pathway
To find out more about the BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families, visit: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/integrated-working-with-children-families-ba-hons-top-up-degree