Career Advise Help!

[Guest]

Hi all,

Im currently in my second year of the BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies.

Previous to this I worked as a Nursery Nurse in day nurseries working with children between the ages of 0-5. I thoroughly enjoyed working in the day nurseries, however, due to a bad experience in one particuar day nursery I decided I wanted to train to become an Early Years teacher and so therefore embarked on a full time degree course with the vision of doing my pgce afterwards (lots of people were always saying i would make a good teacher!!!!).

 

Whilst doing my degree course I also work in a primary school as a voluntary classroom assistant in both the nursery and reception classes. Although I thoroughly enjoy being in a school environment and still have visions of me one day being the teacher, I am finding myself increasingly missing the more 'play based' and caring approach that I experienced in day nurseries and I am finding that I am actually missing the whole day nursery environment (if you know what I mean??!!!).

Also I have become aware of the huge responsibilities and vast amount of paperwork that teachers have to do, and how the teachers I am working with often seem under pressure and sometimes do not have a lot of time to actually interact and 'play' with the children on a one to one basis and for an extended amount of time.

 

So Im confused about what to do or where to go next after my degree!!!!!

Part of me wants to carry on and do the pgce to become a teacher for various reasons (knowing I could actually be a good teacher and make a difference to children's learning and of course the money!!!!), however, the other part of me wants to go back into working in day nurseries or pre- schools (as I did thoroughly enjoy this when I was not in one particular nursery!!!), where I can actually care for children, spend a lot of quality time with them (I know this happens in schools too but i mean on a more one to one basis in a caring way rather than an educational way, if that makes sense!!!) but not get paid as near as much as being a teacher would!!! however, with my degree I would be able to progress onto becoming a senior nursery nurse, deputy or even manager (?????????)

 

Also, my partner, although he is supportive of everything I want to do, and has been supporting me financially over the last 2 years, I think he just wants me to get on and decide what exactly I want to do so that I can start bringing in a full time wage again and hopefully start a family soon!!!!!!

 

Sorry about going on for so long, but I am thoroughly passionate about children and thoroughly enjoy their company but have reached a bit of a dilema and would very much appreciate any help and advice anyone could give me

[AnonyMouse_8282]

Have you looked into childrens centres? As they offer a range of daycare you may fins a 'niche' for yourself there.

 

xxx

[Guest]

what about going for the eyps after finishing your degree? (although lots of issues there with pay etc!!)

 

the most important thing though is to be happy, whatever you chose to do!!

[Guest]

I really feel for you as I am in exactly the same situation.

I have 15 years experience as a Nursery Nurse but am currently working as a Learning Support worker in Reception

 

I'm about to start the 2nd year of Early Childhood Studies (BA) and am now driving everyone mad with my indecision.

 

My only advice would be ... be completely sure before you make any drastic decisions - better to take the time to be certain than make a move that you regret later.

 

Also, follow your gut instinct. I believe it tends to be a good indicator of how you feel deep down!

[AnonyMouse_64]

It might help to actually make a list of all the factors you think influence you when choosing a career - money, satisfaction, interest, helping others, status etc. - and then order them in priority. It may become obvious when you do this where your heart really lies. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[Guest]

Hi

 

I feel the same also, I have my early childhood studies degree and did want to do my PGCE however I have a real passion for early years and didnt want to be moved up and down the school so ive gone on to do my EYPS first in the hope that if I do go on to do my teaching then hopefully that will show my dedication and passion for early years. However due to money constraints (we all have them!!!!) I will probably now have to do a graduate training route into teaching where you get paid while you train rather than a PGCE. (not a considerable amount but it may be worth looking to see if this is available near to you and this could be another option, check with your Uni)

 

I would definately contact your local children's centres as they offer a range of jobs. I used to work at a centre where I planned and developed lots of play schemes for young children and their parents so there was an element of management but also lots of hands on.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide

Paula x

[Guest]

Thanks ever so much for all of your help and advice!!!!!! Its been very helpful and I think I have realised that my heart lies in early years and 'caring' for children rather than 'teaching' them!!!! (despite the pay- but hey its something i enjoy!!!) im obviously going to carry on with my BA hons and then take it from there. Hopefully i'll then do my EYPS and i know that i can always go onto to do teacher training in the future if i ever change my mind!!!

 

Thanks again for all you help, its good to be able to get other peoples opinions on here!!! it really does help!!!!!

[AnonyMouse_64]

Its always good to make a decision and get on with things. Good luck with your studies - I'm sure that this will really help you in the future.

[Guest]

Good luck,

 

if you follow your heart you will never be disappointed, if you dont enjoy what you do then would the extra money be worth it??

 

Hope everything goes well

 

Paula x

[Guest]

Hello everyone this is my first time post…so here goes!

 

I am a HLTA in a primary school, specialising in F2/YR1, paid as NVQ 3 but working at HLTA. I am presently in my second year of a part time Foundation degree; just like the others, felt I could progress to QTS, hence the Foundation Degree.

 

Unfortunately, 4 yrs continuous studying at college prior to the Degree has taken its toll, working full time as a single mum whilst doing this Degree is exhausting. Due to 5 1/2 yrs of continuous studying for various things ascertaining to my role in school, I have made the decision to finish this Degree and take time out to reflect. I too have come to realise the vast pressures on teachers’ and the increase paper work load.

 

Several of my fellow students have chosen to progress to NQT and this is where I would like to highlight a point.

 

During our evening class last night the tutor informed those few progressing to NQT that it would be in their best interests to qualify as an NQT then immediately progress to do a masters, whilst still in the frame of mind for study. It appears that from 2010, teachers’ who do not have a masters will have to gain one to continue teaching, first affected are teachers with 5 yrs or less under their belt. The tutor pointed out that all teachers’ regardless of their years of service, if they do not have a masters will have to gain one.

 

Can anyone confirm if this is true?

Will the teaching profession stand for this?

Can they enforce this?

 

Debbielaine

[Guest]

I know lots of VERY experienced teachers and deputies this would effect if true.I think many would retire early!!

[Guest]

I am not sure however,,,,,,,

 

I am completing my pgce next year and you have the option to do a master level pgce or a professional pgce, however, feel like they will expect everyone to do master level!!

 

ESSC