I started Childminding in 2012 and as it was a complete change in direction to my previous work I undertook a
CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care. I found out I was pregnant with Sebastian just after I started the course and I have to admit that I found juggling a course with Hubby’s work, my own work and a family to look after was a struggle, but, after a 6 month extension I was pleased to finally pass the course.
I got into Childminding after leaving my job at an Investment Bank because we could not afford childcare for two children. Back then I had no clue about what childminding entailed, so it was a bit of an eye opener when I first started and certainly not the money-spinner that everyone seems to think it is.
I love the children I look after and it makes me as proud to see them growing up as it does my own children, but after 3 years I have to admit it is not my vocation. Whilst I was at school, all I ever wanted to be was a teacher but for one reason or another that never came to pass. Now this is all set to change.
I am not going straight into a degree, instead choosing to take a Teaching Assistant Level 3 Diploma from NCC Home Learning. I am also volunteering at the school to get some work based experience which should help me with the course as well as giving me much-needed hours in the school.
The Teaching Assistant course consists of a number of modules, each of which relate to a particular aspect that is important and relevant to the teaching assistant role and I have to complete seven modules to achieve the Teaching Assistant course Diploma, some of which I have already covered in my CACHE course.
Now that Christmas is out-of-the-way I am looking forward to starting my course and my goal is to be employed in a school when Sebastian starts school in 2017. Wish me Luck!
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Wishing you luck! Sounds like you’ve clear goals in mind and are all set. I’m currently studying from home with the OU and am really enjoying it. It’s a challenge fitting in it, but feels so worthwhile. Enjoy x
I do wish you luck! It’s lovely working with children, particularly in school.
Ooh great news Kara! I wish you the best of luck on your course and hope you achieve your school ambition!
Good Luck Kara, its amazing how many mothers do get into teaching, the hours are perfect. Wishing you all you the very best. I hope you find it more challenging then childminding, hopefully you’ll see some of your children at school. xx
That sounds fab, good luck! I am about to start a childminding course with NCC x
I always wanted to be a teacher too. Nearly got as far as applying for the course too and then I got pregnant. Hope it goes well.
Woweeee! Good luck with the course! Sounds like you’ve got good grounding and experience 🙂
Good Luck kara, my mum is a registered child minder and she absolutely loves it x
Good for you lovely!! Fantastic that you’re ‘going back to school’ too — both physically and mentally, in doing your qualification! Best of luck with it all!
Good luck, there is a great need for classroom assistants at any time, I am sure you will find a job no problem!xx
I did consider becoming a classroom assistant, but with my illness it wouldn’t be fair on me or the school. I think that it is great to have goals and aims and wish you all the best of luck
Fab. Well done you. I think it’s great that you’re going to get work experience as it’ll look brilliant on your cv x
Good luck – I find learning from home difficult but not as difficult as actually finding the time or inclination to go out to evening classes! I think starting out as a TA or volunteering first is good grounding before taking the leap to become a teacher – I have friends who have taken this route.
Oh how exciting! I wish you all the luck in the world – not that you will need it. Sounds like a plan! Kaz x
I am doing this course too – tho havent really made a start apart from some initial reading yet. I wasnt sure whether teaching assistant would be a good job for me, but have been helping out in Syds class and surprised myself by how much I enjoy it!
What a great thing to do – the teaching assistants at our school are amazing and I’m sure you will be too x
Fantastic news – it sounds as though you’re going for something that’s exactly right for you. It’ll take a lot of effort and perseverance to get the qualification, but having seen what you’ve achieved with this blog, you clearly have what it takes!