I have been at the YMCA for five and half years, starting as an apprentice in 2018 and qualifying as a Level 3 Practitioner in 2020.
In 2020, the lockdown allowed me to develop my leadership skills with the support of Vikki and Kirsty. They provided lots of training and in-ear coaching to further develop my skills and showed belief in me the entire time. I got opportunities to plan and lead the room, and I learnt how to carry out leadership documents such as leadership and monitoring schedules, which support the development of staff teams.
I then had the opportunity to interview and got given a permanent Room Lead position in Preschool when the nursery returned from lockdown later in the year. I then further developed skills during this role with support from my LP Eileen, Vikki and Kirsty, who all continued to provide me with coaching and training.
In 2021 I interviewed for LP as maternity cover. I was successful and worked in this role until 2022 when it became permanent and is still my current role. At the end of last year, I was appointed as Deputy Manager and now work closely alongside my Manager, Eileen, to support and develop other staff.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Kirsty to develop my knowledge of Special Educational Needs and currently take part in writing IEP’S and EHCP’s. I have also been very fortunate, during my time at YMCA to further my learning by taking part in ELSA and ICP training. I am now the early years ELSA for the setting and love being able to support children and families in a variety of ways because of this. I also love going into other YMCA settings, carrying out ICP audits and offering my support where needed. I feel the investment into my career from multiple people within the YMCA are to thank for this, and my journey would have been very different without it.
Fairthorne Group look to nurture your future so you can progress your career. Get your early years career started at YMCA by contacting [email protected]
