Lucy Burrage, 2024 graduate from the FdA Early Years (0-8 years) course shares her Higher Education journey at the University of Worcester.
“My journey into my passion for working with children and young people began while working within a fostering agency as an administrator. I was able to see the difference practitioners were able to make for children and young people but felt that I wanted to be more involved, this inspired me to explore new experiences working within a special educational needs setting where I work with children to reach their goals and encourage them to gain new experiences while supporting them with their additional needs. It was here that I felt motivated to begin a new chapter in my life and build on my knowledge and career in working with children and young people, through hearing some of my colleagues’ positive experiences of the course and through research of my own I discovered the FdA Early Years (0-8 years) course. I felt that this was the next chapter for me and that this course would provide me with the skills and knowledge to progress forward. I had never experienced university before and as a mature student, this route made me feel confident as it allowed me to continue working alongside it.
While studying I faced a few challenges, one of which included organising my studies around my full-time job. Although this was challenging, I was fully supported by my course leader and the module lecturers through guidance on how to organise my studies and help to gain a better understanding of what was expected from me.
After graduating, I began a BA (hons) Top-up degree in Integrated Working with Children and Families which is what I am currently studying. I hope to explore career opportunities and further advance my professional development. The FdA Early Years (0-8 years) course supported my professional development by encouraging me to improve my writing skills through the exploration of new literature and helped me discover new in-depth ideas on areas of development I needed for my professional practice.
I enjoyed meeting new people on the course with various backgrounds and knowledge and having the opportunity to share this. I learned fundamental concepts around elements of working with children and families, one example which I particularly enjoyed exploring was play and its importance. I was able to explore openly how I can actively reflect on my personal experiences both on the course and within my workplace.
If I were to give any advice to new students it would be to enjoy absorbing all the new knowledge, and the experiences of other professionals and to always ask for help around your studies as it’s there if needed.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about the FdA Early Years (0-8 years) course, visit: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/early-years-0-8-foundation-degree-flexible-distributed-learning-pathway
For the BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families Top Up degree: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/integrated-working-with-children-families-ba-hons-top-up-degree