Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Early Years Educator
Frances Brassey
My Journey...
I applied for an apprenticeship at Our Monkey Club as I was halfway through my A-Levels as I decided I wanted to complete a more practical and active qualification pathway. I initially worked in the garden and in the snack rooms and I also enjoyed watching children develop their personal hygiene and care by supporting the cloakroom space. I started to support children as a key person and worked hard to understand the needs of the children in my care and how to develop secure and effective relationships. I completed my level 2 qualification and moved onto my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifying in 2020.
I have developed innovative ideas for snack and introducing hot lunches and supporting the children to understand mealtimes as a social occasion for learning about each other, learning about food and how to be healthy. Watching children try new foods and learning personal care skills such as washing up, selecting food, pouring drinks, and trying new tastes, has been really rewarding.
Now I have gained more experience I am a confident Key Person and love developing relationships with the children and families and watching the children grow and learn while they are with us. I understand the positive impact of learning through play rather than led by adults as I see the impact on their learning skills, confidence, and abilities to make choices about their day. I think it is important that we support children to build their resilliance and their skills to manage challenge and I love watching children that are more nervous find their feet and become secure in who they are.
I have now moved to the Donisthorpe centre as a fully qualified practitioner and I love working with the children both within the early years provision and supporting children before and after their school day. I am loving getting to know my new key children and all the families we support at the centre and look forward to the chance to become part of the team.