I Love My Job

As an Early Childhood studies lecturer, I often hear students and early years practitioners say, "I love my job."

Working with children from birth to seven can be one of the most rewarding careers, making a positive contribution and a difference for young children and their families.

The value of the early years workforce cannot go under the radar. Here at the University of Bolton, we aim to prepare students with the academic, professional and personal skills to enhance employability.

Our BA Early Years Childhood Studies course has a wide range of modules, with one work experience module. Students are required to attend a work-based placement in early years setting such as nursery, reception class or preschool for 2 days per week.

Employers are looking for candidates with both knowledge and experience of the sector. Effective skills such as teamwork, communication, initiative and problem-solving are also requirements. Our work-based placements encourage students to gain this experience in an enjoyable yet responsible way.

Work-based placement is not just classroom-based. The early years sector drives to provide care and education in the outdoors. The current curriculum encourages children to access the outdoors. Early years settings are developing their outdoor provision, taking children into the community and engaging with forest schools.

Forest school encourages children to explore the outdoor environment. They have an exciting opportunity to explore the natural world freely, using their senses. Many children would not have this opportunity without attending an early years setting.

There is no reason why working in the early years sector cannot be fun as well as rewarding, and the role of the early years practitioner varies from day to day. 

Paula Walsh (Lecturer) Early Years Childhood Studies (BA)