It has been a very exciting couple of weeks for Year 12 childcare students as they have embarked on their work placements. These placements, an integral part of the course, allow students to experience first-hand the theory that they are learning and apply it in an Early years setting. It has been a great chance for students to find out about provision in their local community. Below are accounts from two year 12 students about their first experiences of their placements.

Sophie Ward writes…
“On my first few days of placement, I helped year 1 children with their phonics and maths. In phonics, children were learning “ow” and “ou” sounds and in maths they were practising addition and subtraction. Placement has helped me with my childcare studies because I am gaining experience in an early years setting.”

Eloise Homes writes…
“As part of my Level 3 childcare course, we have to complete a certain amount of hours in different childcare settings. Such as a primary school and nursery. This week was the first week we went to placement. I went into Little Reddings Primary School Year 1 class on Monday and into Bournehall Primary School Reception class on Tuesday. Each school was different and the ages of the children I worked with were different; however it all really helped me see the coursework we were doing first hand. As a Visual and Kinesthetic learner, I found this really beneficial as it gave me an opportunity to see the impacts of a welcoming environment, working in partnership with parents and many more examples that are needed to complete my coursework. This allowed me to have examples to put into my coursework, for example a bright and colourful classroom makes the children feel welcomed. I have loved the experience so far and am really looking forward to returning after half term.”