Early years graduates inspire next generation

Recent alumni from the School of Education are motivating and influencing the upcoming group of young students and the future professionals who will be working in early childhood education.

The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood has released two new movies featuring graduates from University of Leeds. The films explore their vision for the future of the industry, their career aspirations, and the different pathways available for students interested in entering the field.

Emily Tennant, who recently completed her studies in Childhood Studies, spoke highly of the diverse program offered by the School of Education. She explained, "I had a passion for working with children, but I wasn't sure in what capacity. The course covers a wide range of subjects including sociology, psychology, policy, and children's rights."

The experience I gained during my course placement was beneficial for my goal of becoming a teacher. I am interested in pursuing a specialization in speech and language therapy in the future.

When you consider working with kids and schooling, the first thing that comes to mind is usually becoming a teacher. However, as I've progressed through my studies, I've discovered various other job options that are available in this field.

In class, students listened to guest speakers who shared information about different job opportunities after graduation. Some of the careers discussed were Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCO) and social work.

In the past year, the University of Leeds was honored to have HRH The Princess of Wales visit, focusing on her efforts to raise awareness about early childhood development.

The main goal of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood is to create a caring and supportive environment for children and their caregivers. This will have a positive effect on the future physical and mental well-being and happiness of generations to come. This mission aligns with the work of the School of Education.

Nancy McKie, a recent graduate of the BA Childhood Studies program, expressed that she finds it encouraging to see the positive impact that the Princess of Wales is making in the field. She believes that adults can play a significant role in making the experience better for children.

The trip also allowed students to think about their studies. Joel Friss, who is currently working on a master's degree in childhood studies, expressed, "The visit made me reflect on my research and how it can make a positive impact on children."

Last year, the Princess of Wales stopped by the campus.

Creating Positive Change

The teachers and students at the School of Education are dedicated to positively impacting the lives of children.

Nancy emphasized the importance of prioritizing children's voices by implementing a teaching method that is focused on following their lead.

Focusing on both social and emotional wellness is crucial in addition to academic growth. It is essential to consider the overall health of children as they learn, ensuring they enjoy the process.

The more a child knows themselves, the better they will be at learning.

I can't wait to start helping children and I really hope I can have a positive impact.

Joel believes it is essential to listen to children and treat their opinions with respect. He emphasizes the importance of allowing children to make their own choices through social interactions.

Joel is going to continue his studies and work towards a PhD. He wants to develop a scale that can be used to assess how involved children are in research studies.

"We must give children the power to participate and contribute to research. Children have the ability to influence decisions that have an impact on them," he stated.

The Future Of Young Children

Emily wants all children to start school with the same opportunities. Right now, some kids are ahead of others and she thinks we should concentrate on the early years to make things fair.

A new study conducted by the School of Psychology and the Born in Bradford Centre for Applied Education Research revealed that 67% of students who were frequently absent with attendance lower than 90% were deemed unprepared for school when they started reception.

We require additional early childhood educators to assist young children before they begin school to establish a nurturing environment. This influence will have a lasting effect on them for a lifetime."

Emily thinks that if we all cooperate, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for children.

Emily says: "Being a mother, I have experienced how kids thrive and how various educators help your child reach their full potential."

"We require additional early childhood educators to support children before they enter school and form a nurturing environment. This influence will have a lasting impact on them for a lifetime."

If you'd like to learn more, you can get in touch with Rebecca Hurrey at the University of Leeds press office.

Check out the Early Years spotlight page for further details on how University of Leeds staff and students are working together to improve the lives of children through increased collaboration.

To learn more about the study on students missing school, make sure to check out the updates on the University of Leeds website.

Image Source: The Royal Foundation.