Working with Vulnerable Children: The Most Valuable Thing I Learnt at UoN
University of Northampton Graduate, Hayley Walker tells all.
When I started at the University of Northampton I didn’t really know what direction my career would take all I knew is that I wanted to work with children and initially thought this would be through teaching.
I started on the Early Childhood Studies degree and began to be inspired by the tutors and modules which started to shape my goals. I realised, after talking with my personal tutor and going on placements I wanted to work with the county’s most vulnerable families and wanted to impact children’s lives positively.
By doing a pathway course, I was able to learn holistically about what children need in order to meet their fullest potential and also what services and adaptations vulnerable children may need in order to ‘narrow the gap’. By having a varied teaching in Education, Social Care and Health matters I was qualified to follow any path in those fields.
With the knowledge and skills I learnt through my degree I have been able to positively impact children and families.
I work in one of the highest areas of deprivation in Northampton and set up and manage a newly opened nursery; we have just received Outstanding in all areas in our first Ofsted inspection. I believe this is because I have learnt that children need a consistent, nurturing and encouraging environment to flourish.
I work in one of the highest areas of deprivation in Northampton and set up and manage a newly opened nursery; we have just received Outstanding in all areas in our first Ofsted inspection.
We incorporate a community led ethos and have become a safe place for people to come in and all are greeted with warmth and respect. By starting with our youngest children we want to inspire a generation of aspirational learners, and provide experiences that are of an outstanding quality.
Our children’s earliest years are cherished in our setting and in an ever-changing climate we will continue to ensure the children are at the heart of what we do and this is one of the most valuable lessons I learnt whilst at the University of Northampton.
