Level II Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development
LEVEL III Early Years Educator
Currently Studying Towards LEVEL v Early Years Lead Practitioner
Early YEars lead Practitioner
Renay Park
My Journey...
I applied for the Apprenticeship Program with Our Monkey Club after I had my second child as I had moved away from my studies to start a family and felt I was ready to return to my career. I had already completed my Level II Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development and so I could be classed as a qualified practitioner however the apprenticeship gave me time to focus on my studies and to grow as a professional. I was also able to work alongside my boys and watch them play and grow while I completed my qualifications and gained experience.
I loved working at Our Monkey Club and my children made friends and loved the other practitioners. I was made to feel so welcome and felt part of the team quickly. I worked in the snack room and quickly became responsible for many of the main tasks of providing a healthy and nutritious diet for all our children. I enjoyed my time working with child make snacks, implementing cooked dinners, engaging in messy play activities, and watching them grow and become more independent. After a year I decided to take a break from my studies to spend time with my children again but wanted to return when it was practical for my family.
This became possible in February 2020, and I returned less than a few weeks before lockdown! My first year back at Our Monkey Club has been different but it has permitted me the scope to learn and develop my skills and have 1:1 support from the leadership and management team. It was wonderful coming back and I felt like I slotted straight back in and like I’d never left. I have now completed by Level III Diploma as an Early Years Educator with a Distinction and am working as a successful Key Person with my key children. I have a great team and really enjoy my role playing with the children everyday. I have now progressed to an Advanced Apprenticeship as an Early Years Lead Practitioner andhope to achieve my degree next while working alongside the children everyday and getting to watch them grow.