Rebecca Patrice-Grossett

How do you feel about the training – what does it mean to you?

Training with LEYF is an amazing opportunity that I would recommend to anyone who wants to work in the early years’ sector. The high standard of the nurseries and tutors at LEYF allow me to feel assured that the practical experience and teaching I receive is of quality. There are several things that I feel I’ve benefited personally from the training.

Such as?

I started working with LEYF straight after I left school. Being able to travel into London each day to a job that I love, where I am taught by people who encourage and motivate me to learn has helped me to improve my independence, self-confidence and attitude to work in general.

Tell us about the highlights of your work in the nursery

For me, the main highlight of working in a nursery is being able to see how children develop socially, intellectually and physically – in such a short amount of time! I’ve seen children go from being able to recognise the first letter in their name, to telling you of other words that also start with that letter, to writing their name independently!

Next steps

One of the great things about working for LEYF is that the staff are able to attend short courses on specialised areas in early years that encourage them to update and expand their knowledge. One course in particular (From Neurons to Nursery: An Introduction to Brain Development) inspired me to apply to university. To cut a long story short, I have been offered a conditional place (pending on my passing this Level 3 qualification) to study a BSc Honours Degree in Cognitive Neuroscience. As the Degree starts later this year, the CRLD team are helping me to finish a little ahead of schedule. I’m really enjoying what I’m learning about babies’ and children’s brain development. Studying on the Degree will allow me to explore this topic in detail and help further my career, as well as my passion for working in the early years’ sector.